Royal Engineers complete construction of Afghan Local Police station in Helmand capital

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan David Chandler

Date: 08.01.2011
Posted: 08.01.2011 03:19
News ID: 74594

PATROL BASE BOLAN-T, Afghanistan - Royal Engineers with 59 Commando Squadron completed construction of an Afghan Local Police station in the Helmand provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, July 26.

“This is the third police station we have completed in this area for the Afghan locals,” said Lt. Joe Robinson, commanding officer of 59 Commando Squadron, and a native of Barnstaple, England. “The Afghan citizens in the area have been very helpful in assisting us in completing the station.”

The station took three days to complete and will house 15 Afghan local police officers. More police stations in the area will help eliminate insurgent activity, said Robinson.

“We are helping the Afghan Local Police to get up and running in small expeditionary policing for the local villagers,” he explained.

The police stations assist the community with local problems, crimes, security and domestic disputes. The ALP work with the Afghan uniformed and national police to handle larger issues.

“These guys [Afghan Local Police] are brave guys they want to look after their community and families.” They want to keep their people safe from insurgents,” said Robinson. “We are happy to do our part to make their area is safer for the Afghan people.”