What is the Cultural Exchange Program?
It is a program designed to enable Department members to experience the diverse cultures in our world. Since Los Angeles County consists of many communities with different cultural background, this program will allow us to learn about them.
How do I join?
We usually have two events every year. Sometime in March and November. For example, last March was Vietnam and Cambodia. Last November, the group traveled to Australia and New Zealand. Look for publication and sign up. That’s all.
Can I join?
To join the program, one of the party members must be a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employee (Sworn or Professional). We will not accept any individual from outside of our Department unless s/he is sponsored by our Department member.
As a sponsoring member, s/he is taking the responsibility for all related matters prior to and during the trip, including etiquette and financial responsibility of that person.
Once I joined, am I obligated to go every time?
No. The Cultural Exchange Program is a voluntary program. It is up to you to join every time there is a trip being offered. In many cases, you may need your unit commander approval in order to join any particular trip.
How much does the trip cost?
It varies with destinations. Cost will be posted when the trip is being offered. Most of times, the initial deposit is non-refundable in order to reserve a place. Therefore, we strongly advise that you sign up after your vacation approval is received.
What do we on the trip?
Depending on the countries we visit, we may visit the local police agency, correctional facility and other governmental agencies that are law enforcement related. However, 70% of the times during the trip, we will be visiting the respective countries’ well known landmarks and/or tourist attractions. The reason being that most of the tour attractions represent certain cultures and its people.
What kind of accommodations do we stay in?
Most of the accommodations are rated four stars and above. However, each locality may have a slightly different rating system. So, what you expected as four stars may well be only three stars in the U.S.
I understand that I am joining the tour as a Cultural Exchange Ambassador, what does this mean?
It basically means that you are representing the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. As a member of our Department, you should realize that this is a Department sanctioned activity, all of the Department policy and procedures apply to our daily activities during the trip. The professional demeanors must be observed while enjoying the group activities. While enjoying the free times from the group, remember that we continue to represent the Department and should behave accordingly.
I have retired from the Department, can I still join?
Yes. All of the retired Department members are eligible to join the tours. As a person who has been with our Department for a long time, it is a good opportunity for the newer personnel to learn from you.
I want to join now, what do I do?
You can join only when there is a trip being offered. If there is an upcoming trip, you will be notified whom to contact.
For the upcoming trip to Europe, Deputy Luis Castro and Deputy Richard Li from the Headquarters Bureau are the coordinators. Their contact information is as follow:
Deputy Castro
email address is lcastro@lasd.org, Phone number is (323) 526-5541
Deputy Li
email address is wrli@lasd.org. Phone number is (323) 526-5557.
Although S/R Commander Chester Chong is the director of this program, and he can be reached at cpchong@lasd.org, it is requested that you direct any inquiry to Deputy Castro or Deputy Li.
Questions or comments about this site should be directed to: Cultural Exchange Program