Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 080110-02
January 10, 2008
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DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Ministry of Interior celebrates Police Day (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Police were in the spotlight as the Ministry of Interior held its 86th annual Police Day ceremony Jan. 9, highlighting the police forces’ growing numbers and capabilities.

It was a day filled with celebrations, chanting and ceremonies to honor the police across the country.

At Baghdad Police College, Minister of Interior Jawad al Bolani said “We must prohibit partisanship and secretarism in the ranks of the employees of the ministry.  We must think of ourselves as Iraqis first.”

Speaking before 2,200 in attendance, Bolani praised the Awakening Councils and the Concerned Local Citizens groups for their efforts in improving security.  

“They were the first spark,” said Bolani of the Awakening Council in Al-Anbar.  “This is the people beginning to refuse the al-Qaeda concept.  They patriotically rejected al-Qaeda ideology and fought back against the militia groups.”

The cooperation of the citizens represents an important link in the security work, Bolani added.  Creating this bond with the people is an important link for the police and the stability of Iraq, he said.

There also was a police graduation ceremony at the Police Day ceremony with 1,044 graduating from Baghdad Police College to join the Iraqi Police.  There were 744 graduates from the nine-month police course, and 300 from the recruit training course.
                                                                
The Iraqi Police have grown significantly in the past five years, from approximately 66,000 in 2007 to more than 276,000 today.

National Security Advisor Mowaffaq Al-Rubaie said the police have played a major role in security operations in Baghdad.  “With even more police trained this year, the police will be strong enough to enforce the security plan and law enforcement.” he said.

During the ceremony there were also demonstrations on martial arts, police dogs searching for contraband, and an emergency response unit. 

New this year was a demonstration of the explosive ordnance team using a robot to render safe a suspected improvised explosive device.  Five years ago, the Iraqi police didn’t have robots or experience in operating them. 

Another demonstration showed a flag-waving and reconciliation act representing a Shiite, Sunni, Kurd and Christian.  At the end, the group joined hands and raised their arms to the sky, then more than a dozen doves flew into the air as a policeman waved the Iraqi flag furiously and the crowd applauded.

Maj. Gen. Michael Jones, director general of the Directorate of Interior Affairs, said, “I was impressed with the skills and capabilities demonstrated here today during the ceremony.  The Iraqi Police are making considerable progress.  It takes time and they are heading in the right direction.”

Also attending the ceremony were Shirwan Al-Waili, Minister of National Security, and several members of the Council of Representatives.

At the end of the ceremony, graduates and students celebrated loudly with chants and waving the Iraqi flag.

It was a day of salutes for Iraq and for the Iraqi Police, working daily to save Iraq.

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