Photo By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle | An Iraqi police officer patrols the streets of Tall Afar, Iraq. The IP added 200...... read more read more
Story by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
TALL AFAR, Iraq (Feb. 23, 2006) -- At Combat Outpost Grainery, 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment works diligently to help mentor and develop the Iraqi police in Tall Afar, Iraq.
The 2-37th based in Friedberg, Germany, is tasked to train the IP to support themselves and take over their own operations.
"We shadow the IP and conduct joint operations," said 1st Sgt. Wesley Wyatt, 2nd Bn, 37th Ar., a native of Austin, Texas. "We stay outside to let them show the citizens of Tall Afar that the IP's are in charge, and the Coalition is only here to support and reinforce their actions."
According to Capt. Neil Smith, company commander, Co. B, 2nd Bn, 37th Ar., and a Richmond Va. native, the IP just added 200 Iraqi police officers and one of his duties is to meet with Iraqi Lt. Col. Hussein, IP chief, regularly to share intelligence information and decide joint missions that they will execute together.
"Most of the new recruits come from the Tall Afar area, so they are a little better received by the people," Smith said.
Smith added that the IP station opened about two weeks ago and that Hussein is a tough, but fair man who wants to help the citizens of Tall Afar.
According to Smith, Hussein instituted a parole program in the city for people who commit crimes. He makes them come to the police station every Thursday to sign a letter stating that they will not commit crimes.
"What I am trying to do for this city is not only good for the citizens but also for the criminals," said Hussein. "I am giving them a chance to straighten themselves out."
Smith said Hussein is a valuable asset to the community who cares about finding terrorists and who also tries to find new ways to make Tall Afar a better city.
According to Smith, the biggest challenge is synchronizing the efforts of the IP and IA and local government officials and reducing their reliance on the United States, and it's Army by providing them with direction, leadership and logistical support.
"The IP has good leadership," Smith said, 'the officer's just need more experience and we will ensure they will work for all the citizens of Tall Afar."
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2006 13:12 |
| Story ID: | 5558 |
| Location: | TAL AFAR, IQ |
| Web Views: | 175 |
| Downloads: | 104 |
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