AUGUSTA — The University of Maine at Augusta’s Chief Noel March, lecturer of justice studies and community policing, is participating in an educational program, “Operationalizing Never Again: The Role of Law Enforcement in the Holocaust and Contemporary Genocide.”

This program is a collaboration between Rutgers University, the University of Virginia’s Center for Public Safety and Justice, and the Global Consortium for Law Enforcement Training Executives.

Noel March Submitted photo

March will join law enforcement leaders from around the world to explore the crucial historical lessons learned from the role of law enforcement in Nazi Germany, particularly the actions of Reserve Battalion 101, and their relevance to contemporary policing. The program includes immersive training, historical case studies and experiential learning, including participation in the International March of the Living in Krakow, Poland, according to a news release from the university.

The program aims to provide law enforcement executives and educators with the tools to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and make decisions that uphold justice in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. Participants will gain insights into law enforcement’s complicity during the Holocaust and engage in discussions on preventing modern-day atrocities.

The training program will include pre-trip virtual seminars, on-site sessions in Poland and post-trip assignments. Participants will also receive training in ethical decision-making and active bystandership, alongside workshops on applying historical lessons to modern policing.

This initiative is a step toward fostering stronger, more ethical leadership within law enforcement agencies globally. It is particularly timely in addressing the increasing need for law enforcement agencies to reflect on their responsibilities in upholding democratic values and preventing human rights violations.

For more information on the program and its objectives, email SCPS-CPSJ@virginia.edu.