Thursday, 20 November 2008 By Capt. Kevin Wolfe
1st Cavalry Division
COB G. OWEN — Approximately 200 Policemen graduated the first Iraqi Police Leaders’ Course here Nov. 13, amidst chants of praise and admiration.
The two-week course, taught by the Iraqi National Police, prepared the new leaders for the challenges they will face, as the graduates return to their respective Police stations in the city of Amarah.
“These classes and practical exercises have increased the capabilities and qualifications of the Amarah Police forces,” stated Lt. Col. Ayad Qahtan Draeb, commander of the training center. “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 Amarah 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 from Elk Grove, Ky., said the students were extremely eager to learn and bring their knowledge back to their respective Police stations.