Iraq has increased police force by 200,000 since 2006

BAGHDAD — Iraq has nearly doubled its police force to nearly 300,000 officers. The Iraqi Interior Ministry under Jawad Bolani said that more than 200,000 police officers were hired since 2006. The ministry said police have taken security responsibility in 10 provinces. "These steps have not come without great sacrifice," Maj. Gen. Abdul Karim Khalaf, the ministry's operations director, said. "We have had 10,000 police officers killed or injured trying to bring peace to our communities." In a July 28 briefing, Khalaf said more than 5,700 improvised explosive devices were cleared by police since June 2006. He cited a poll that gave the police a 70 percent approval rating. The ministry has reported 285,000 officers. Also In This Edition -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHEAST ASIA: Beijing orders tighter media controls MIDDLE EAST: Obama meets with Israeli and Palestinian leaders NORTH AFRICA: Sudan's president pays defiant visit to Darfur Search Amazon.… 1 - 1 of 50 The Post-Ameri… Fareed Za… $15.57 12345> Privacy "We have faced political pressures and challenges from criminals and organized crime, but now the ministry has a large support from the people," Khalaf said. Deputy Interior Minister Adnan Al Asadi said Iraq has trained 21,459 police officers and hired another 210,000 employees since 2006. Al Asadi said the ministry dismissed 32,000 employees as part of an effort to purge militia elements from the Iraqi security forces. "This shows the tremendous change and growth we have experienced," Al Asadi said. Since 2006, the National Police have trained 20,666 policemen in basic, advanced and specialized courses, officials said. They said the training proved instrumental in police operations in 2008 in Amara, Basra and Mosul. The ministry has also been building its energy protection force. Officials said 31,000 oil police and 16,000 electricity police have come under ministry supervision. Officials said the ministry's Border Enforcement Department has acquired 309 border forts and annexes. They said the department captured 327 insurgents, 1,300 illegal migrants and 1,728 smugglers over the last two years. "What is now most needed in Iraq is the formation of a spirit of nationalism and national unity," Al Asadi said.