49th Military Police Brigade assist, support Iraqi Traffic Police Directorate HQ

Photo By Sgt. Kenneth Bince | Lt. Sayef Sjaker, left, and 1st Lt. Ali Ra'ad, right, give a presentation about weapon safety during the three-week instrcutors course held at the Iraqi Traffic Police heaquarters, Baghdad, April 28, 2010.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.29.2010

Story by Sgt. Kenneth Bince 

49th Military Police Brigade

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq. – A landmark for Iraq law enforcement took place April 29 at the Iraqi Traffic Police Directorate headquarters, Baghdad, as 15 traffic police officers graduated a three-week instructors course supported by the 49th Military Police Brigade.

The graduating class consisted of young, fresh-out-of-the Baghdad Police College officers and a few veteran officers from Resafa and Karkh.

Proudly wearing their pressed white and black uniforms, the officers first saluted, then enthusiastically received their certificates and shook congratulatory handshakes with Iraqi and American general officers.

This notable day was the culmination of more than two and a half years of cooperation between U.S. forces and the Iraqi Traffic Police. The last six months of support consisted mainly of key leader engagements, between the 49th MP National Transition Team, International Police Advisors and the Iraqi Traffic Police.

"Not since 1988 has the traffic police had its own separate headquarters and training site," said Maj. Gen. Imad Khaleel, commandant of the Iraqi Traffic Police headquarters. "That's when the Ministry of the Interior consolidated the traffic police into the Iraqi police," he said.

"Now the traffic police can focus on specific training for our officers that will add to the academic and professional development of the traffic police force," he said.

In November 2009, the ITP started the new relationship with the 49th NTT. "This team, I have felt the most comfortable with, and they have responded quickly to help us with the training and support for this academy," he said.

"Through the visits to the [ITP], the need for instructors was brought up, and it was determined to be the most critical shortage to address," said Maj. Jeanette Stewart, 49th International Police Services, National Transition Team, officer in charge.

Once the Iraqi parliamentary elections were complete on March 7, (the 49th NTT team) focused on getting the "train the trainer" course off the drawing board and into action, said Sgt. Trevor Butters, 49th IPS NTT, non-commissioned officer in charge.

The 49th NTT conducted weekly visits to the ITP, which complimented the daily e-mail traffic and phone calls. "The team worked furiously to get all of the planning implemented," said Butters.

"A personal security detail from the 217th Military Police Company was tasked with security, and housing at nearby FOB Shield was arranged," he said, "so that all personnel supporting the course would be a short distance from the training site."

Each and every block of instruction taught during the three-week course met the high standards of the Iraqi government. "All of the training given to the traffic police has to be certified by the MOI in order for the classes to count," he added.

The course was broken down into theory and practical exercises, and the final test was to present a 15-minute detailed block of instruction. "I have given classes before, but I never knew the step-by-step planning involved in presnting an interesting and well balanced class," said 2nd Lt. Ali Sallal, an Iraq Traffic Police officer.

"Here, we learned the correct way to develop a training plan," said Ali, "and to interact, react and readjust the class to suit your audience."

Not only does the 49th NTT assist with training at the center, they also support other important projects at the ITP headquarters. "We have a great working relationship, and plan to expand the training offered to the [ITP]," said Stewart.

Maintaining a working relationship with the ITP is only one of the organizations that the team supports. "Other Iraq law enforcement agencies the 49th NTT works with are, CRB (criminal records bureau), CID (criminal investigation division), and CED (criminal evidence division)," she said.

"Once the 49th redeploys back to the states as part of the responsible draw down of U.S. forces, our mission here will be handed off to ITAM (Iraq Training and Advisory Mission) to continue building and closing out the License Plate and Driver's License Initiative," said Stewart.

Until then, the Soldiers of the 49th NTT will continue to provide assistance and logistical support for the ongoing projects and act as a conduit for various USF-I and Iraqi law enforcement agencies.

• Date Taken: 04.29.2010
• Date Posted: 05.20.2010 08:53
• Story ID: 49998
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ