Deputy Assistant Secretary M. Brooke Darby for Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs today said Police Development Program or P-D-P is helping Iraq build a modern, professional civilian police force that will assume internal policing functions from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
In his statement before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Darby said PDP builds on the significant investment and progress the U.S. military has made with the Government of Iraq over the last seven years.
“The military’s program utilized hundreds of police advisors, and focused largely on generating a police force from the ground up and training it for counterinsurgency operations. The Police Development Program builds on this foundation and draws on the experience and expertise the INL Bureau has developed in international police assistance over the last two decades.” -Mr. Darby
He noted that the program also imparts specific advanced technical skills, such as management of crime scenes, forensics capabilities, and explosive ordinance disposal, which will be necessary for the sustainability and continued growth and professionalism of the Iraqi police services.
He stressed that the PDP mentors Iraqi police leadership on how to regularize their engagement with the people they serve while protecting Iraq’s communities, its borders, and respect for human rights. Additionally, sustainable training programs will be developed with the Iraqis that are flexible enough to adapt to changing requirements.
“The PDP plays a critical role in developing a secure, stable and self-reliant Iraq, as it builds upon the U.S. military’s hard-won gains. The Iraqi Government has requested, and welcomes, this assistance.” -Mr. Darby