‘Red Dragons’ conduct search and protection training for ISF

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers from Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division - North, prepare to train Iraqi Security Forces on how to properly protect and exploit a crime scene in real-time field scenarios during a crime scene search and protection training course at the Samarra Joint Coordination Center, Iraq. The course was taught to Iraqi Security Forces in July. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jordon Tibbits, 2nd AAB PAO, 1st Cav Div., USD-N)  

SAMARRA JOINT COORDINATION CENTER, IRAQ

09.04.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

Story by: Pfc. Jordan Tibbits
2nd Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs 1st Cavalry Division

SAMARRA JOINT COORDINATION CENTER, Iraq – Soldiers from Battery B, “Red Dragons,” 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North, conducted a crime scene search and protection training course for Iraqi Security Forces at the Samarra Joint Coordination Center, Iraq, in July.

Charles Matthews, a law enforcement professional for Battery B, instructed members of the Samarra District Headquarters Major Crimes Unit and training section, and the Samarra Operations Command during the class.

Classroom instruction, which was provided in English and Arabic through translators, consisted of training in evidence collection, basic science, forensics, collection procedures, and search pattern evidence location techniques, said Matthews.

In addition to classroom training, attendees completed a practical, hands-on exercise, explained Matthews. The exercise showed attendees how to properly collect evidence from a crime scene and extract information from improvised explosive devices, before and after detonation.

“The purpose for this training is to enable the ISF to respond to crimes in their areas of operation with the knowledge to protect themselves and the Iraqi public while properly collecting evidence,” said Billy Canaan, Battery B’s civilian police advisor and hands-on instructor for the class.

Using forensic evidence will provide the ISF with an advantage in apprehending suspects and collecting evidence.

“That evidence can lead to the identification of the suspect or suspects involved in the crime by submitting the collected evidence to the Iraqi labs,” added Canaan.

Historically, the Iraqi legal system based convictions on interrogations and witness statements, explained Canaan from Baton Rouge, La., adding that scientific evidence will help improve the system.

“The science of collecting evidence and having it exploited gives the Iraqis the ability to not only identify the guilty, but to exonerate the innocent,” said Matthews, from Fort Worth, Texas. This evidence-based system did not exist in the court systems of Iraq until the science-based system was introduced.

“It is truly a renovating step in the history of Iraq’s rule of law,” said Matthews.

Each participant earned a certificate upon successful completion of the course, said Spc. Mohamed Soliman from Brooklyn, N.Y. and translator for the course.

“The ISF feel greatly motivated and privileged to receive the training and certificate. They feel prepared to apply their newly acquired knowledge in real life scenarios in their city,” said Soliman.

• Date Taken: 09.04.2011
• Date Posted: 09.04.2011 06:14
• Story ID: 76423
• Location: SAMARRA JOINT COORDINATION CENTER, IQ