More than 8,000 miles separate Houston from Taoyuan City, Taiwan. But for those dedicated to upholding the law, the two cities are closer than ever.

Each spring, cadets from Taoyuan City’s Central Police University (CPU) venture to the University of Houston-Downtown for a two-week immersion in American policing. Their journey is made possible by UHD’s Bayou Connection, an outreach program that connects the University with CPU.

The initiative’s name has two meanings. Of course, the American “Bayou” reference is relevant to UHD’s proximity to both Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou. In Chinese, however, “Bui” translates to 100 and “Yu” means outstanding. The initial concept was to bring 100 outstanding Taiwanese students to learn at UHD.

Back to Gallery Law enforcement from Taiwan learn tactics in American... 15 1 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer 2 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer 3 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 4 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 5 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 6 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer 7 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 8 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 9 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 10 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 11 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer 12 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer 13 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer 14 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer 15 of 15 Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer





























Since its inception, nearly 400 CPU students have traveled to Houston for this academic exchange.

This year, 40 CPU cadets learned forensics investigations from the Houston Fire Department’s Fire Arson Bureau; enforcement of international smuggling from the U.S. Coast Guard; and peace officer training from the Houston Police Department. Cadets also toured Harris County Jail. Cadets also receive training from instructors at UHD’s Criminal Justice Training Center (the institution’s on-campus police academy).

UHD’s proximity to institutions such as the Harris County Jail and its partnerships with law enforcement agencies make it a perfect host for these students. This partnership with Central Police University is one of UHD’s largest global projects and continues to make an impact on students seeking to broaden their understanding of both the English language and policing techniques.

In addition to welcoming CPU cadets to Houston, UHD students take trips to Taiwan to continue Bayou Connection’s cultural exchange.

But the trips to Houston and Taiwan aren’t just beneficial for cadets and students. The lessons learned on these trips will enhance international law enforcement and ultimately, help protect citizens around the globe.

Technological advances are enhancing the capacity of criminals to work across borders. International cooperation in criminal justice is both inevitable and essential. The Bayou Connection has definitely exposed both criminal justice students at UHD and in Taiwan to cultural exchanges that will lay a beneficial foundation for future collaborations.