Photo By Master Sgt. Duff E. Mcfadden | With the snip of a pink ribbon, Iraqi Minister of the Interior Jawad Al-Bulani ushered...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq — Prospective police officers within Iraq's Ninewa province face a bright, new future, thanks to a progressive partnership between the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and province officials.
More than 300 people turned out for opening ceremonies at the Ninewa Police College, built as a joint effort between U.S. forces, local Iraqi support and the Ministry of the Interior. With the simple snip of a pink ribbon, Iraqi Minister of the Interior Jawad Al-Bulani helped usher in a new era for northern Iraq police officers.
A three-year institution, students are taught by Iraqi law enforcement veterans. Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and enter law enforcement as newly-commissioned police officers.
All curriculum and rules are derived from the Baghdad Police College, Ninewa's sister school, and the Ministry of the Interior. Direct funding also comes from the Ministry of the Interior.
The sprawling $19 million, 20-acre complex features 36 classrooms, 12 barracks, a mock police station, several crime-scene rooms, a vehicle driving range, dining facility, student recreation room, school headquarters, dean's office and a football field.
More than $1 million has been invested in state-of-the-art equipment, to provide future Iraqi police officers the most innovative law enforcement techniques and tactics.
"Use of the driving simulator will educate students on proper driving procedures," said Lt. Col. David Sanders, Task Force Shield commander. "The crime scene facilities will allow staff to video students as they set security, process a crime scene and collect evidence. This video will then help students to correct deficiencies in their approaches and techniques as evidence is gathered and prepared for analysis at a crime lab.
Two essential classes are also being taught here, said Sanders. Those classes are Human Rights and Ethics. Through progressive academies and training such as this, the Iraqis are bringing in new officers and a more professional image, he added.
Everything is provided to ensure Iraqi students have a safe and secure place to sleep, eat and learn.
There are currently 190 cadets vetted to attend the first class, with another 40 from the Ninewa province in the process of being vetted. It's expected another 70 will arrive as overflow from Baghdad's Police College.
Lt. Col. Lee Porterfield, from Task Force Shield, advises and assists Iraqi Police Brig. Gen. Khalid, the Ninewa Police College dean, with the many challenges in operating and providing quality instruction at the new school.
"This is a critical milestone in establishing police primacy within the Ninewa Province," said Porterfield. "There are still a lot of challenges ahead, but in working with Brig. Gen. Khalid and the Provincial Headquarters, I'm confident this important Iraqi police institutional, training facility will produce quality IP officers within three years."
Students must meet stringent criteria prior to acceptance: They must be 17 to 22 and-a-half years of age; must have a high school education; their father and mother must be Iraqi nationals; they can't belong to a political party; they must have no criminal history; and they must pass a medical and interview process, as part of their vetting process.
"The basic mission is to get these officers educated and into the Iraqi police force," said Lt. Col. Sanders. "When they sign their contract, they agree they can be placed anywhere in the country. However, since they have the right dialect and are familiar with the local people, it's hoped they'll remain here in the province. In return, the people of Ninewa will get to see them perform critical tasks for both the local police force and their community."
Graduates will also have the opportunity for numerous hours of annual refresher training, to keep current with modern police procedures.
A better educated police officer is a win-win situation, no matter how you look at it, said Sanders.
"The Iraqis receive a more educated and proficient police officer. The province benefits from improved department manning and leadership, which provides for a safer community. Meanwhile, U.S. forces, such as Task Force Shield, have the opportunity to work with a more experienced, skilled colleague," he said.
| Date Taken: | 02.12.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.12.2010 19:57 |
| Story ID: | 45283 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, IQ |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 133 |
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