Governmental leadership conduct Afghan Local Police in processing shura in Arghandab

ZABUL PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

10.06.2011

Story by Spc. Ashley Bowman 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

ZABUL, Afghanistan - Governmental leadership in Arghandab district, partnered with coalition Special Operations Forces, gathered together to register new Afghan Local Police recruits as well as discuss security issues in the district, Sept. 6.

According to reports, key elders met with Afghan National Security Forces leadership, the new Arghandab district Governor and coalition officials to register the first group of ALP and to discuss possible repercussions from a rapid drawdown of coalition troops.

"We just want to make sure we have a plan in place to adequately handle the transfer of responsibility for security from coalition forces to Afghan National Security forces," said the District Governor.

Arghandab officials welcomed the inaugural class of ALP recruits, who are eager to help provide security in their respective villages, as well as provide a connection between village and district level leadership, according to an Afghan National Army commander.

District officials expect to see the number of ALP volunteers increase following the success of the initial local police force.
"Our final solution to security and governance in the district must be Afghan led and sustained," said a district official.

"Implementing the ALP as part of our long term security solutions is a step in the right direction for Arghandab."

Afghan Local Police are selected by village elders and the local shura to provide protection from insurgents and other hostile forces threatening their villages. The program is connected to all levels of the government of Afghanistan and is administered by the Afghan Ministry of Interior and local district police staff.

• Date Taken: 10.06.2011
• Date Posted: 10.28.2011 10:27
• Story ID: 79178
• Location: ZABUL PROVINCE, AF