NASIRIYAH, Iraq - A group of 10 Iraqi police officers graduated from a four-week crime investigation course during a ceremony held at the Mittica Training Center in Nasiriyah, May 20.
Each police officer, representing his unit within the Dhi Qar province, accepted his certificate of completion in front of an audience of government officials, police officers, families and U.S. Soldiers.
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is currently conducting the advise and assist mission in Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muthanna provinces in southern Iraq. The brigade partners with Iraqi security forces to help develop their capabilities in providing security and stability for Iraqi citizens.
The graduation ceremony signified a new era for criminal investigation within the Dhi Qar province.
"This training is very important because we are moving from just fighting in the streets, to collecting evidence and finding out who is committing these crimes," said Maj. Gen. Sabah Al-fatlawi, Iraqi police commander, Dhi Qar province. "These investigation techniques will help us gain more positive results."
During the course, the police officers sharpened their skills in many areas involving criminal investigation. The course, taught by the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team, covered areas such as DNA testing, fingerprint collection, witness interviewing and suspect interrogation.
"Crime scene investigation is an art," said Steve Burton, a mentor, trainer and advisor for CPATT. "I taught them not to simply visit a crime scene, but search it and gain as much information as they can."
The police officers were very enthusiastic and responsive to the course, and will be capable of distributing their new skills to their respective units, said Burton.
"I am confident in what I've learned," said 1st. Lt. Talib Calvin Hassan, police officer and honor graduate of the course. "I am ready to teach my men."