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

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 091110-03
Nov. 10, 2009
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DSN:  318-852-8742
Maj. Bob Owen

Baghdad Police College Graduates First Class of Female Officers

BAGHDAD – Fifty female police officers joined more than 1,000 of their fellow male graduates at the Baghdad Police College Nov. 9 for a ceremony marking their successful completion of the rigorous training program here.

Dozens of senior Iraqi political leaders, U.S. advisors, ambassadors, and special guests looked on as the massive class marched by in elaborate synchronization. Among the attendees were the Minister of Interior, Jawad Bolani; U.S. Amb. Patricia Haslach; Danish Amb. Mikael Winther; and, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, MNSTC-I commanding general.

This class represents the first time that females have been able to attend and graduate from the nine-month police curriculum at the BPC. As college graduates, the women learned the basic skills needed to become police officers and were held to the same standards as their male counterparts.  Twenty-seven have been to law school and many are mothers who must balance responsibilities at home with their new police duties.

Danish police Maj. Nana Shriver, an advisor to the High Institute at BPC, played an instrumental role assisting the women throughout the tough course.  Maj. Shriver added that these women will add tremendous value and new perspective to the Iraqi Security Forces.

“Many times women police officers can approach an investigation or police matter differently from a man,” Shriver said. “These women are tough but also have a softer side that is good for working with children and other women. Sometimes this difference is what is needed to resolve an issue.”

Iraqi Maj. Gen. Dr. Jassim, director of the Baghdad Police College, said he was especially proud of these young female officers. “This course was a most daring step,” Jassim said. “This was very difficult training and these women performed to the same high standards that we set for our male officers.” 

These new female police officers will serve various jobs including forensics and investigation as well as training.  Some will also work in the administration of the MoI. Minister of Interior Jawad Bolani, personally approved the placement of these women to ensure that they would receive quality positions in the Iraqi Security Forces, Jassim said.

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Photos:

BAGHDAD—Minister Bolani, Dr. Jassim, Maj. Gen. Jassim and Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, MNSTC-I commanding general, salute more than 1100 newly graduated officers at Baghdad Police College Nov. 9.  The class included 50 female officers, the first women ever to graduate from the difficult nine-month course.  (photo by:  U.S. Army Maj. Bob Owen)

 
BAGHDAD—Minister of the Interior Jawad Bolani, addresses the more than 1100 new police officers, including the first class of 50 female officers at a graduation ceremony Nov. 9.  (photo by:  U.S. Army Maj. Bob Owen)

BAGHDAD--  With many media outlets covering the graduation, the first class of 50 female police officers conduct a Pass in Review for the assembled dignitaries at the Baghdad Police College Nov. 9.  (photo by:  U.S. Army Maj. Bob Owen)

 
BAGHDAD—Maj. Gen. Jassim, director of the High Institute, congratulates the top female cadet at the graduation ceremony at BPC and presents here with a gift here Nov. 9.  (Photo by:  U.S. Army Maj. Bob Owen)

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270.  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT:  WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL .