Release of 49 juveniles puts number of detainees returned to society above 11,000 for 2008 - Total in first eight months of 2008 is already 2,000 more than for all of 2007

Photo By Brandon Hubbard | A former juvenile detainee is released to his family near Camp Cropper in western Baghdad, Aug. 13, 2008. There are about 200 juvenile detainees held by Multi-National Forces - Iraq as security threats to the coalition and the government of Iraq.  

IRAQ

08.22.2008

Story by Spc. Brandon Hubbard 

Task Force 134

By Spc. Brandon Hubbard
Task Force 134 Public Affairs

CAMP CROPPER, Iraq – Coalition forces released 49 juvenile detainees to their families on, Aug. 19, 2008, bringing the number of of all detainees released in 2008 to just above 11,000.

"As Iraq prepares for Ramadan, we are attempting to release as many detainees as the security situation allows," said Brig. Gen. Robert Hipwell, commanding general of the 300th Military Police Brigade, the unit responsible for oversight of Camp Cropper and other locations in the Baghdad area. "We are committed to releasing every detainee who has decided to work for the safety and security of his homeland rather than against it."

Coalition forces have released record numbers already in 2008; the total for all of 2007 was just short of 9,000.

A number of measures have made this release rate possible. Each detainee's case is studied individually at least every six months. Currently, the average is only four months between boards. The detainee speaks on his own behalf and may submit testimonials of good character from local government officials, friends –even members of the guard force.

"U.S. Soldiers occasionally attend the review boards to speak on the behalf of a detainee, testifying to his behavior in detention and his desire to lead a productive life," said Lt. Col. Rod Faulk, 300th MP Brigade chief of staff.

Detainees attend classes on basic literacy and also are offered the ability to learn a vocational trade such as carpentry, masonry or textile work. Juveniles may complete up to a 12th grade education, taught by Iraqi instructors. The course is accredited by the Iraqi ministry of education so that they may receive credit for their work when they return home. Some of the vocational education is led by U.S. National Guard and Reserve Soldiers who bring valuable civilian experience to their duties on the guard force.

"It is the daily actions of the individual guards that often make a difference in the lives and attitudes of the detaines," said Faulk. "For many detainees, this is the only interaction they have had with Americans outside the battlefield."

"Our guards go the extra mile in professionally engaging with detainees. They have an incalculable effect on influencing detainees to return to society as productive citizens," Faulk said.

• Date Taken: 08.22.2008
• Date Posted: 08.26.2008 08:44
• Story ID: 22883
• Location: IQ