Sheriff heading for Middle East for talks on global crime trends

Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie soon will travel to the Middle East to participate in a law enforcement conference about making the world safer through international cooperation among police agencies, Las Vegas police said Wednesday.

Gillespie will be in the capital city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates next week. The 2011 Gulf States Global Police Symposium takes place from Sunday through Wednesday .

The symposium's theme is "A Safer World Through International Police Cooperation."

Gillespie said in a statement that attending the conference is necessary because Southern Nevada faces challenges that are seen throughout the world.

"Given Las Vegas' diverse population coupled with the influx of visitors from around the world -- Metro faces unique challenges," he said. "By joining this distinguished group of law enforcement leaders from around the world, we can share information about emerging crime trends as well as ways to combat them."

The symposium is co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of the Interior and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Gillespie will be a delegate in discussions about global crime trends such as human trafficking, money laundering and cyber crimes.

Assistant Sheriff Greg McCurdy, who oversees Homeland Security, will also attend.

The trip will be paid for by the symposium organizers.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.