"Towards A More Safe and Secure World" 2018

An IVLP Special Initiative

The U.S. Department of State’s annual Towards a More Safe and Secure World initiative brings approximately 80 judicial, law enforcement, and security officials to the United States each year to discuss and explore transnational threats to international peace and security, including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons, border threats, money laundering, and cyber warfare. In 2018, World Partnerships was selected to host the entire group.  On April 30, the TMSSW group came together for a one-day special symposium at the St. Petersburg College Allstate Center for Public Safety Innovation entitled "Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Taskforce Training". Speakers included: Sergeant Major (SGM) Richard A. Spear of the Florida National Guard; U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District of Florida; Professor Luz Nagle, Stetson University College of Law; Chief Anthony Holloway, St. Petersburg Police Department; Joseph K. Ruddy, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Narcotics Section; and, Robert O’Neill, former U.S. Attorney.

Project Objectives
  • Foster greater global cooperation against terrorism and other transnational crime threats
  • Explore methods to neutralize global criminal activities such as drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, money laundering, and countering extremism
  • Address the impact of transnational crime on the global economy
  • Survey the U.S. criminal justice system and review how its principles are applied to international crime prosecution
  • Examine ways to strengthen partnerships between community- based organizations and law enforcement officials
  • Address issues of balancing law enforcement and security with the preservation of civil liberties
Read Tampa Bay Times Columnist William Maxwell on TMSSW!

"Helping Law Enforcement Agencies Face Challenges Together"

(May 6, 2018)

"Seasons of Diplomacy" Reception & Dinner Honoring TMSSW
On April 30, 2018, World Partnerships brought the Tampa Bay community together at its inaugural "Seasons of Diplomacy" reception and dinner to honor the TMSSW participants. Held at the Hilton Carillon St. Petersburg, the reception was sponsored by American Freedom Distillery, the makers of "Horse Soldier Bourbon". The distillery was founded by US Green Beret veterans, many of whom are the "Horse Soldiers" who led the American response to the attacks of 9/11. Retired Special Forces LTC Robert Schaefer, a founder of the distillery and its master distiller, led the group on a bourbon tasting journey at the reception, and keynoted the dinner with a conversation about the Green Beret values of persuasion, perseverance, and presence and what he learned from his foreign counterparts during his over 20-year career as a military officer, trainer and diplomat. World Partnerships Chairman Matthew Nolan, Partner, Arent Fox (Washington) offered welcome remarks, and Ms. Charlotte Titus, Branch Chief for Europe & Eurasia in the State Department's Office of International Visitors gave remarks on the importance of exchange, continuing collaboration, and citizen diplomats. Special thanks to our Dinner Sponsors for their generous support of World Partnerships!