Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071205-01
December 5, 2007

Baghdad welcomes hundreds of new Iraqi Police

Sgt. Daniel D. Blottenberger
18th MP Brigade PAO

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Baghdad’s top Iraqi Police officials and members of the 18th Military Police Brigades’ Provincial Police Transition Team gathered at the Iraqi Directorate of Police Headquarters here to witness 707 new Iraqi Police Officers graduate and perform a training demonstration Dec. 4.

“This is a proud day for Baghdad, for these new Iraqi Police and for all of Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Al Mishtawi Kathim Hamid, the provincial director of police for Baghdad, in his speech to the graduates.

The increase in police forces is intended to strengthen the overall safety of Baghdad.

“I am anxious to find out how many improvements there will be in the near future in Baghdad because of this increase in Iraqi Police forces,” said Maj. Larry Dewey, 18th Military Police Brigade’s Provincial Police Transition Team officer in charge.

The ceremony included an Iraqi Police demonstration of some of the many techniques they were taught during the four-week training period at the academy.

The demonstration consisted of combative techniques, structure-clearing techniques and defensive maneuvers against small arms attacks.

“The demonstration and ceremony were extremely impressive,” said Dewey. “They have done so much in four weeks. They have turned civilians into well-disciplined police.”

The Iraqi Police and the 18th MP Bde. continue their efforts to increase the number of recruits and train quality Iraqi Police to better the overall safety of the Iraqi people.

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