Ministry of The Interior

- Images of the new currency Ministry of The Interior 9 May 2003 Overall Information The Ministry of Interior consists of two government institutions; the Police and the municipal branches. The Ministry wants to bring these institutions back with the Iraqi people who formerly worked there before the war. Facts on the Police Force A return of law enforcement in Iraq has been one of the top ORHA priorities after intital looting throughout Iraq. Gen. Jay Garner made an announcement over Baghdad radio for all policemen to return to duty on May 4. This does not mean they will begin patrolling the streets on May 4, and some of the issues that remain are: -how to get the policemen back to work fast, -decide which of the police organizations were too tainted by the previous regime to reconstitute and -the need for a new policing ethics: respecting human rights and guaranteeing openness and accountability. The concern is that the policemen, once used to inspire fear in the Iraqi people, would be more intimidating than helpful. People are asking the question, "Aren’t you putting Saddam’s thugs back on the streets?" Steps are being taken to ensure police are here to protect, not intimidate. -We have decided not to reconstitute a number of Minister of Interior units, which were too tainted by their close relationship with the regime. -Police chiefs will be issued guidelines and principles, which they will be responsible for briefing police officers. These include no corporal or capital punishment, no physical or mental coercion and no arbitrary arrest or detention. -There will be two complaint procedures; one to deal with prior human rights violations and one once the police force is reconstituted. Facts on the Baghdad Fire Brigade The interim supervisor reported over 900 fire brigade staff workers in Baghdad - 23 out of 25 fire stations staffed and 12 fire stations operational. The one concern the Fire Brigade has is fuel, which they are running out of. ORHA is ensuring the delivery of fuel to the brigade. Press Opportunities -Ongoing meetings with the police and many possibilities with patrols. Rueters, AP, Dubai and Abu Dhabi TV are already present at the Police Academy. -First press opportunity will be the fuel being delivered to the fire brigade. Frequently asked questions Q: What is the status of the Police Force in Baghdad? A: The 318th Battalion of Military Police is working with the Baghdad police. They are training the Iraqi police on the job by doing joint patrols. The majority of the police force has reported to work since the May 4 announcement to return to work. Almost all traffic police and fire brigade have returned to work. The numbers are as follows: Patrol 1679/2700 Vital Guards 1112/6705 Traffic 1479/1600 Civil 973/1275 Q: How is the Police Force getting paid? A: Emergency payments of $20 are being made. We are working on a pay scale. Q: Weren't the Police used as an instrument of Torture and Intimidation during the regime? Are people going to trust them? A: True, some police were used for terror and intimidation. Which is why we are not asking the following units back: The Criminal Investigations Division, Police Security Office are not being reestablished. And the following organizations, which reported directly to Saddam Hussein, the Intelligence Services, Public Safety Directorate, Military Intelligence Directorate, Special Guard Directorate and Emergency Brigade. Q: What about the security of Baghdad? Isn't there still looting going on? A: The looting in Baghdad has decreased dramatically since the end of the war, and this will only continue with the return of police. Our goal is to have all 60 police stations staffed twenty-four hours a day as soon as possible. Q: How many Police Stations do you have staffed 24 hours a day at the moment? A: A few are staffed twenty-four hours a day as of May 14. Nearly all of them are staffed during some portion of the day. Fulbright Scholarship Competition Wednesday, 10-Dec-03 15:10:04