Associate professor Lyudmil Georgiev has rich experience and career. He is a former employee of the police with more than 27 years of service in the system. He has degrees from the Police Academy and from the Faculty of Journalism in the Sofia University. He also specialized in forensic science in Russia, the Netherlands and other European countries. He is a lecturer in criminology and forensic science in universities in Ruse and Varna and has extensive experience as an expert at the Sofia City Court in the sphere of video and document research. But how does he manage to have hobbies along with so many duties?

"My hobbies are a few. The major one is collecting police, military, and naval hats, fire caps, helmets, etc. So far I have some 515 hats from 50 different countries. Back in 1995 a friend from the UK brought me as a gift a beautiful English bobby’s helmet. For a long time it sat alone in my office until I decided to add my lieutenant’s hat and give the beginning of a collection. I have the opportunity to travel abroad and I often check antique shops and markets where I buy hats for the collection. Of course, my colleagues from Bulgaria and abroad who work in police structures help me enrich my collection," associate professor Georgiev says.

The oldest authentic cap in his collection dates back to 1913 and belonged to a German officer while the newest item in the collection is a hat from the Colombian army. The Guinness Book of Records reads that a traffic policeman from Berlin has the biggest collection of police hats – 2300. Mr. Georgiev naturally wants to meet him and exchange experience.

The attractive collection had been on display in the regional library of the city of Targovishte, as well as in cities in north-eastern Bulgaria. Speaking about May 6 - Day of Bravery and the Bulgarian Army, Assoc. professor Georgiev points out that despite the fact the army and police have different functions he gets extremely excited "when there is a parade, flags, people in uniform...” “May 6 is a celebration of heroism and we must always be thankful to Bulgarian army,” he says and adds: “Despite structural and other problems without army and police the state cannot exist. We must do everything possible to support the employees in uniform.”

Lyudmil Georgiev is also the author of seven books - crime stories and novels. His 8th book is a travelogue "Surviving Danube - from Ingolstadt to Kilometre Zero” dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the world's largest organized rowing regatta. The book includes 280 pictures. Actually, photography and shooting videos are some of his hobbies. He is also keen on water sports like sailing and kayaking.

6 didactic children's games related to different professions and called "Become the Best" have been created at his initiative. It is believed that these games could bring children and parents together and keep them away from the computer games.

"Unfortunately, as a lecturer I tend to see the lowering level of education and training in various disciplines at school as well as in everyday life and that worries me. It seems to me the link between children and parents was cut. The unwillingness of certain communities to integrate into society or to study is frightening. Impunity, lack of certain values ​​and respect for the law makes more people disobeying basic rules of conduct. During my studies abroad, I saw children and students in the courtroom watching the trials proceed. This demonstrates prevention and respect for the law. One cannot see such a thing in Bulgaria. One can see negligence and ringing the alarm when it is already too late and something was paid for with blood. I teach my students - future lawyers and policemen - to respect and do everything according to the law and be an example for others," associate professor Lyudmil Georgiev says in conclusion.

English: Alexander Markov