Military

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

March 11, 2004
Release Number: 04-03-31


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MOSUL POLICE THANK COALITION FORCES FOR ASSISTANCE

MOSUL, Iraq - Iraqi policemen from the Mosul area met with soldiers from the U.S. Army's 503rd Military Police Battalion Wednesday to thank them for their assistance in providing security and stability in northern Iraq over the past year.

"We walked hand in hand for one year to rebuild police stations in Mosul," said Mohammed Barhowie, who is the police chief in Mosul. He explained that they were very proud of the coalition forces that helped renovate several police stations and enabled the police officers to protect their fellow citizens.

"We want to increase the number of policemen and work hard in perfecting our police stations," Barhowie said. Coalition forces started a police-training program that includes a three-week course for current police officers and an eight-week course for new recruits.

In the past year, 4,570 police, corrections specialists and firefighters from the Ninevah Province have completed the training.

Barhowie said the police are better prepared to maintain security for the people of Iraq because of the training the coalition forces provided.

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