Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090110-01
January 10, 2009
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DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Iraq Interior Ministry Celebrates Police Day - Baghdad Police College graduates 2,933 officers

BAGHDAD – The Iraq Ministry of Interior celebrated the 87th anniversary of Police Day Jan. 09 with the largest graduation ever at Baghdad Police College as 2,933 graduates began their careers in the Iraqi Police Service.

 Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told the new graduates they represent the future of Iraq as they take over internal security in cities throughout the country.

 “As your brothers in the Iraqi Army will protect the borders, the Iraqi Police will soon protect all the cities,” he said.  “Your duties become even more important.  You not only will face terrorism, but you also must protect our liberties, our economy and our rule of law from those who want to take our liberties away.”

 “You must treat all citizens as equals, with respect for human dignity and do your job in a professional way to gain the people’s trust,” Maliki said.  He added the Interior Ministry has restored public confidence in the police and now “you must continue to rebuild Iraq.  With your high professionalism and good training, you can give a new message to the Iraqi citizens.  You are professionals.”

 At the Police Day ceremony, 945 police officers graduated from the three-year officer course, 1,807 officers completed the nine-month officer course, and 180 graduated from the specialized Commissioner’s Course.  In the past five years, the Iraqi Police Service expanded from approximately 54,000 members in 2003 to more than 286,000 today.

 Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani told the graduates their fellow policemen made many sacrifices that led to security and economic improvements in Iraq in the last year.  He said the Iraqi Police have reduced major crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and other attacks by 90 percent in the past year, uncovered 189 terrorist cells and arrested 6,988 individuals involved in terrorist activities.

 Bolani congratulated the graduates for their commitment to serve and urged them “to protect people’s rights, show respect and understand that no one is above the law.  Your efforts will continue to raise our security and economy even more.”

 Bolani also thanked the Parliament, the media and the Coalition for its support in the continuing effort to expand the Iraqi Police Service and enforce the Rule of Law in Iraq. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Chief-of-Mission, U.S. Embassy – Baghdad, and Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, represented the U.S. and Coalition forces, respectively, at the ceremony.

 Iraqi Police from all 18 provinces participated in a large parade with the graduates.  Others from the National Police, Division of Border Enforcement, Facilities Protection Service, the new Community Relations Police, Iraqi Civil Defense, Emergency Response Unit and River Police showed their new equipment and provided demonstrations.

 The demonstrations included self-defense tactics, martial arts, police dogs searching and finding explosives hidden in luggage atop a vehicle, and an explosive ordnance team using a robot to render safe a suspected roadside bomb.

 Col. Hassan, Director of Training, said “This was truly an outstanding group of students and I wish them success in their future assignments.”   He added, “You get to know them from being with them every day.  We have had sad days, but many more happy days like this one.”

 New Iraqi Police Lt. Abass said, “I am so happy and so proud this day to become an Iraqi Police officer.  We all want to give a hand in helping rebuild our country.  And now we will take the knowledge and training we received to our new jobs and we look forward to serving our nation.”

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