Iraqi Police Officers Graduate from Baghdad Police Academy

OFFICE OF SECURITY TRANSITION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 5, 2004 Contact: Capt. Steven Alvarez Tel: (703) 343-9329 IRAQNA Cell: 790-191-0615 IRAQI POLICE OFFICERS GRADUATE FROM BAGHDAD ACADEMY BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Nearly 300 newly hired and trained Iraqi police officers will begin their work on the streets of Baghdad in the coming days following their graduation from the Baghdad Public Service Academy this week. The 272 graduates, including 91 women, spent eight weeks in training at the Academy. Training commenced April 10. The course, which includes instruction on human rights, defensive tactics, firearms, and Iraqi law, is taught by soldiers from the 415th Military Police Detachment, the 272nd Military Police Company and G Company 759th Military Police Battalion. The academy is directed by British and U.S. police officers. This is the fourth class to graduate from the academy. Graduates will now commence with a 24-week field training program. Female recruits and police officers are held to the same standards as their male counterparts and therefore, there is no difference in recruiting standards. Questions can be directed to CPT Steve Alvarez, alvarezs@orha.centcom.mil .