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February 20, 2004
CONTACT
South Central Region
Hilary White
hilary.white@CPA-IQ.ORG
BABIL PROVINCE POLICE FORCE GRADUATES SPECIAL REACTION UNIT
Hilla, Babil Province, Iraq. The first class of the Babil Province Special
Reaction Police Unit recently graduated. The graduation ceremony included a live
fire exercise and a hostage rescue technique demonstration.
A strong police force is an integral part of the increased security within the
Province. These officers will also be used as trainers for other police units
throughout the South Central Region. The five week course included classroom
instruction, weapons training, first aid, hostage rescue, and physical training.
In order to be placed in this highly competitive course, students were required
to have already served as police officers.
The former regime practiced terrible brutality against the people of South
Central Iraq. So many husbands, fathers, and sons were killed by Saddam's
regime, that men represent less than 40% of the population. Every graduate of
the Babil Province Special Reaction Police Unit had at least one family member
killed by Saddam Hussein's regime. One new graduate, a 29 year-old police
officer from Babil Province, said:
“My brother was killed by Saddam. I am happy to be a member of this unit so I
can help provide security for Hilla, apply justice, and serve the innocent
people of this town.”
In a few weeks, the graduates will partake in Riot Control Training and will
then be assigned to various police departments throughout Babil Province. In
addition to their special hostage rescue skills, the graduates will serve as
role models for other police officers.
The Iraqi Police, the 442nd Military Police Company, the Philippine National
Police, and the Coalition Provisional Authority worked together to train the
special reaction police unit.
The people of Babil Province can take pride in these highly trained police
officers. The graduates of the special reaction police unit represent another
example of Iraqis playing an ever increasing role in providing security for
their country as they move toward a sovereign, democratic government.
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