URUZGAN, Afghanistan – Select members of the Afghan National Police force in Gizab began training to become instructors at the Afghan Local Police academy on Aug. 16.
Twelve ANP have been specifically selected to attend an instructor training course for the Afghan Local Police Program academy in Gizab.
"Upon completion of the course, these new instructors will be capable of teaching ALP recruits the classes required for them to graduate the Gizab ALP Academy," said a coalition Special Operations team leader.
The district chief of police believes that the long term sustainability of the security in the Gizab District depends on a robust police force.
"If we are to have a strong police force, we must have intelligent and able teachers to provide instruction at the academy," said the district chief of police.
More than 200 trained Afghan Local Police are currently operating in Gizab District manning checkpoints and providing security to the local citizens, according to district police reports.
"These Afghan National Police non-commissioned officers will be able to sustain the local police force, which will have a direct positive impact on the sustainment of a stable and secure Gizab District," said a coalition Special Operations team leader. "This is a step towards unilateral operations and self sustainability of the Gizab police force."
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.