Published: March 08, 2006
Iraqi Police Improvements Stimulate Local Community's Economy
By Spc. Lee Elder 133rd MPAD
"Photo by: Spc. Lee Elder, 133rd MPAD" |
MUKAYSHIFAH, IRAQ - The resurgence of the Iraqi Police and a growing Iraqi Army presence have led to an economic resurgence in this community near Tikrit.
Standing on the roof of a rebuilt police station, Capt. Dene Leonard, company commander of Company D, 2-7 Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, looks over his area of responsibility.
"I've got 14 new stores going in over there," Leonard said. "I've got 120 being occupied and I've got over 30 being built. The security here is important and it plays a major role in that."
Police must remain vigilant. Their station is often the target of would-be drive-by snipers even though armed guards are constantly stationed on the station roof.
U.S. forces give the force logistical support as well. Lights are being installed on the station roof and new radios will allow the station to remain in communication with officers who are patrolling in the community.The local police are more confident in their abilities.
"Photo by: Spc. Lee Elder, 133rd MPAD" |
"When we first got here, you had a hard time getting them to come out of their building," said Staff Sgt. James Currence, who serves as 2nd Platoon sergeant. "Now, they are out conducting patrols all the time and people call them if they see anything suspicious."
The force will continue to be trained by other Iraqi and U.S. organizations. "The training process is something that is constantly happening," Leonard said. "They are constantly training."
"It never ends," Leonard said. "You just keep up with who they've got."
Anthony D Buchanan
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