Blackanthem Military News, DIYALA, Iraq - Over the past seven days Diyala's Iraqi Police were issued 50 new vehicles which will be used to increase their patrol capabilities throughout the province, allowing the IP to interact with the local population and enforce the laws of the land.

Since the arrival of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in October 2006, the police have also been issued nearly 2,500 AK-47s with more than 350,000 rounds of ammunition; approximately 9,300 AK-47 magazines; 1,800 pistols; uniforms and body armor.

Aside from equipment issue, the Iraqi Police have been heavily focused on training to increase their skills, knowledge, values and attributes; creating a values-based force capable of performing all police functions independent of
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Coalition Forces' support.

Through the Iraqi Police Training Academy in Baqubah, IPs participate in a two-week course consisting of both classroom work and hands-on training. The police learn lessons such as the Rule of Law, democratic policing, the Iraqi Constitution, weapons safety, dismounted patrolling as a member of a team and mounted patrolling.

Since Jan. 1, 314 police officers have graduated from the academy, and 59 new students began training March 4.

"These new tactics can be seen every day on the streets of Baqubah and in other cities as the Iraqi Security Forces conduct respectful and intelligence-based raids to defeat the terrorists attempting to destroy this province," said Col. David W. Sutherland, Coalition Forces commander in the province. "They are enforcing the Rule of Law and establishing domestic order."

The Iraqi Police are also attending the new Grey Wolf Leadership Academy, a joint course consisting of Iraqi army soldiers, IP and CF. Through the academy, the police receive training on leadership, values, discipline, marksmanship, reflexive fire, buddy techniques and live-fire exercises.

This training enables the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army Soldiers to learn how to combat terrorism by conducting narrowly focused raids and arrests that do not detain innocent Iraqis.

Also, Coalition Soldiers learn about Iraqi culture, customs, and life in the Iraqi Security Forces; while the ISF learn about the American culture as well.

March 4, the academy graduated its second class consisting of 14 IP, 18 IA, and 7 CF Soldiers. To date, 27 IP, 37 IA and 15 CF have graduated from the course.

As efforts continue to re-build the Iraqi Police force in Diyala, equipping and training remains key toward increasing the police officer's capabilities to secure the population and uphold the Rule of Law.