State Department recruiting U.S. police officers for 'one-year missions' in Iraq
WASHINGTON — The State Department, assigned to assume responsibility
from the U.S. military later this year, has sought to recruit police officers
for its security training mission in Iraq.
The department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs has begun meeting with municipal and state law enforcement to
encourage officers to sign up for a program to development Iraqi security
forces. The program was scheduled to begin when the department takes over
for the U.S. military in Iraq in October, Middle East Newsline reported.
"The bureau is seeking to recruit both active and retired U.S. law
enforcement officers as the U.S. Department of State builds a team of senior
level and expert advisors to serve one-year missions in Iraq," the
department said.
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In a statement on Feb. 3, the department did not say how many officers
would be required for the forthcoming security mission in Iraq. But
officials said the assessment was that State would need at least 17,000
assigned to 15 locations.
Officials said the State Department, through the Bureau of International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, would assume full responsibility for
the development of police and border forces under the Iraqi Interior
Ministry. They said State would also support development in Iraq's
corrections and justice sectors.
"Under Department of State leadership, the Police Development Program
will partner with the government of Iraq in developing management,
leadership and technical skills to support the rule of law and maintain Iraq’s
internal security," the statement said.
The statement said the department was seeking "experienced U.S. police
officers who would partner with Iraqi ministers, commanders and police
chiefs." Officials said the State program could last years.
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