Programs & Events 2009
Embassy Links Minority Police Spokesmen from U.S. and Hungary to Share Job Insights
On June 24, Hungarian National Police Spokesman György Makula and Chicago Police Department Spokesman Roderick Drew met via a videoconference arranged by the U.S. Embassy. The meeting came in response to Mr. Makula’s interest in communicating with someone from the United States who, like him, is a minority police spokesman.
Mr. Makula is the first Roma Hungarian to serve in his capacity with the Hungarian National Police where, prior to his current position, he served as a patrol officer. Mr. Drew is the third African-American spokesman in the history of the Chicago Police Department. Previously, Mr. Drew served as the Chief Spokesman for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Together they shared insights on the challenges they face as minorities in their positions, ideas on how their police departments can better address hate crimes, and effective strategies for managing media inquiries.