NAJAF, Iraq – Nestled between a bustling city thoroughfare and an all-girl elementary school stand two recently renovated Iraqi Police stations, providing more than 250 police officers a safe vantage point for serving and protecting local citizens.
The improvements were done through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division, which works on small scale but essential projects like schools, clinics and police stations along with larger projects like power and water treatment plants.
On a recent site inspection to the Najaf police stations U.S. Army Col. Richard Stevens, GRD deputy commander met resident police officers while touring the sites. “This station is a prime example of Iraqi Security Forces having the facilities to increasingly take the lead in transferring security responsibilities to civil authority,” said Stevens.
The police chief, Iraqi Maj. Hakim was pleased with the results of the renovations. Kam said the improvements make him and his officers feel safer in the stations.
U.S. Army Maj. William Smith, Najaf-Karbala resident engineer and liaison officer, served as the tour escort. He is a member of the 35th Engineer Brigade, a Missouri Army National Guard unit currently augmenting the Gulf Region South.
The two police units occupying the renovated facilities are crucial to the citizens of Najaf, Smith said. “One is a police traffic checkpoint unit that controls ‘Route Miami’ … a key roadway and the other is an investigation unit that handles homicides, burglaries and such,” Smith said. The renovated stations also represent a visible sign of authority to the community, Smith said. “Through these renovations we are giving the Iraqi Police of Wafa District something they can be proud to be a part of,” Smith said. “Our theory is to treat them with respect and they, in turn, will generate respect.”
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