Iraqi Police graduates first leaders' course

UNCLASSIFIED

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE GARRY OWEN, Iraq - Approximately 200
policemen graduated the first Iraqi Police Leaders Course at Contingency
Operating Base Garry Owen Nov. 13 amidst chants of praise and
admiration.

The two-week course, taught by the National Police, prepared the new
leaders for the challenges they will face, as the graduates return to
their respective police stations in Amarah.

"These classes and practical exercises have increased the capabilities
and qualifications of the Amarah police forces," stated Lt. Col. Ayad
Qahtan Draeb, training center commander. "It will enable them to better
protect their neighborhoods in Amarah."

Draeb's goal is to provide quality training to these policemen to
prepare them lead their fellow policemen in securing the streets of
southern Iraq's Maysan Province.

The leaders' course focused on close-quarters combat room clearing,
checkpoint procedures, evidence handling, ethics and human rights. The
new leaders were also required to conduct practical exercises prior to
graduating from the course.

"The courses on ethics, human rights and Iraq laws have taught me better
ways to help the people in the neighborhoods that I patrol," said
Commissioner Najh Naem Kalifa, an Amaran policeman with more than 18
years of service.

Draeb said the course will ensure that leaders of the Amarah police
stations have the knowledge and capabilities to enhance their ability to
prosecute criminals that are intimidating and terrorizing the honest
people of the city.

Lester Robertson, an Iraqi Police Advisor, said the students were
extremely eager to learn and bring their knowledge back to their
respective police stations.