For years the Iraqi police have relied on eye-witnesses and word-of-mouth to detain those who break the law, 'Titan' Soldiers of 512th Military Police Company, 92nd Military Police Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., hope to change that by moving the IP focus, from only what citizens say, to gathering of evidence and intelligence, so they can convict the criminal.
In order to begin introducing this program to the IP chiefs, 'Titan' leadership met with Col. Taha Saladin Abdullah Hussien, Qoria IP station chief, in Kirkuk, Iraq, May 12.
Taha, who has been personally attacked by terrorists nearly 10 times since becoming police chief, said that he believes the IP have security in the area at a good level but want to work on convictions.
"There used to be attacks daily, but now months have gone by and nothing, security is good we have a few issues though," said Taha.
He went on to explain IP usually rely on citizens of Kirkuk to come forward to make an arrest on the criminal.
"The people of Kirkuk want a peaceful nation rid of the terrorists so they help us," he said to the 'Titan' leadership.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Cannon, a native of Jacksonville, Ill., and police training team non-commissioned officer in charge with Headquarters Platoon, 512th MP Co., agreed with Col. Taha.
"Sharing information is great, but if evidence is gathered in the proper way the conviction rate will rise," said Cannon.
The goal of this program is for police to arrive on the scene of the crime and put a focus on preserving the crime scene and gathering evidence in the proper way, according to Cannon.
This program will also help the voices of the chiefs be heard, according to Cannon.
"So many dignitaries are focused on this program, if concerns are voiced, they will be heard," he said.
Taha agreed beginning this program will benefit his station.
"We have learned from each phase and have faced many troubles, but we have built up and Qoria police station is ready to do whatever it takes to progress, so there will be no more civilian victims in Kirkuk," said Taha.