Photo By Spc. Ryan Elliott | The Massahag Iraqi police department assumes full responsibility for the security and...... read more read more
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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT, Iraq -- A group of enthusiastic, wide-eyed Iraqis gathered in front of the Massahag police center as they tried to catch a glimpse of the validation ceremony occurring inside.
The Jan. 4 event marked the official transfer of responsibility for security of Massahag and Makahul from coalition forces to the local Iraqi police department.
"The local Iraqi police have made great strides in providing security over the previous year and are ready and able to provide security to Massahag and Makahul, both with populations exceeding 5,000 residents," said Master Sgt. Kevin Daley, Operations Sergeant, 561st Military Police Company, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), attached to Task Force Lightning.
The 561st MP Co. has been working with the Massahag Iraqi police center since April of last year, lending a helping hand by conducting numerous joint missions and guiding the Iraqi police in essential skills and training.
"Shaping the Iraqi police into an effective competent force has been our focus since we took control of this area," said Daley. "I have a great deal of confidence in them; I am more than hopeful that they will be able to rise to the task of providing security for this area," he added.
"The Iraqi police here have shown an unsurpassed level of professionalism, and an eagerness to take on the task of providing security for their city," said 1st Lt. Lindsey Gerheim, 2nd Platoon Leader, 561st MP Co.
"When we got here in April they were already well on their way to taking over security operations; we just helped refine some of their skills and gave them the necessary tools to provide security," said Gerheim.
The transfer of responsibility means a shift of control to Iraqi hands, the sign of a sovereign Iraq.
Because the Iraqi police are from the area which they patrol, they are in tune with the needs and demands of the residents and are able to respond in a quicker, more effective fashion.
As the security agreement takes effect throughout Iraq, reducing the coalition forces footprint in Iraqi cities is crucial to reinforcing Iraq's sovereignty.
"The day-to-day security operations in Massahag and Makahul will now be handled by their own Iraqi police centers, thereby lessening the need for any coalition presence," said Daley.
"This is a big step forward for this area; the Iraqi police are very enthusiastic, very knowledgeable, very competent, and they are up to the task of providing security for their city," said Gerheim.
| Date Taken: | 02.18.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.18.2009 04:46 |
| Story ID: | 30144 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 436 |
| Downloads: | 402 |
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