Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has sponsored a visit by a delegation of Iraqi
police officers for a training course in cooperation with the Iraqi Interior
Ministry.

The department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs oversaw a three-week training course for 10 Iraqi women officers on
criminal investigation and other issues.

“The officers represent a cross-section of the Iraqi MoI, including
criminal investigation, domestic violence and training units,” the State
Department said.

In a statement on May 8, State said the U.S. course was meant to prepare
the women officers for “leadership roles.” Officials said the officers would
be given classroom instruction as well as field training.

“Working with police forces in Michigan and Maryland, they will partner
with American officers in classroom and on the job settings, and gain
exposure to American culture,” the statement said. “Specialized training
will focus on criminal investigation, forensics, and crime scene processing,
while emphasizing techniques for countering violence against women.”

In 2012, the State Department abandoned a multi-billion-dollar training
program for the Iraqi police. Officials said State has continued with
smaller projects, including the Iraq Police Education Program, a five-year,
$8 million program that helped train more than 100 police officers since
2010.

“Leadership and management training will provide the tools for career
advancement,” the statement said.

  ‘exposure to American culture’ in U.S., International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Iraq Police Education Program, Iraqi policewomen to get training, U.S. State Department