One of the first-ever female Iraqi Police officers to attend and complete training at the Baghdad Police College proudly poses for a photo following the BPC’s latest graduation ceremony, Nov. 9. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin L. Wriston, Joint Combat Camera Center - Iraq.

BAGHDAD

The new female officers and more than 1,000 male students culminated their training with a ceremony marking their successful completion of the rigorous nine-month training program.

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, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq 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.  Shriver said 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 BPC, said he was especially proud of these young female officers. “This course was a most daring step,” he 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 hold 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.

(Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq release)