Iraqi Police

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The Iraqi Police are the organic civil police force of the Republic of Iraq. The creation of this unit was guided by the Coalition Provisional Authority however the command and control of the Police belongs to the new Government of Iraq.

Overview

A part of the Interior Ministry, the IP at present functions on the local level. Future plans include the formation of a highway patrol, and of security police for fixed sites. They also assist Coalition military personnel on raid operations, though their remit does not include terrorist or military matters. At present, the IP does not conduct detective operations.

The Iraqi police force has faced numerous problems since it was reformed by the US controlled Coalition Provisional Authority after the fall of Baghdad. One of its main problems has been the lack of suitable training and equipment. Whilst the occupying coalition forces wear bullet proof jackets and ride around in reasonably well protected vehicles, the Iraq police have had only the most basic of equipment and vehicles.

It has also become the target of fighters from both inside and outside Iraq with many thousands of its force killed by gunfire and the use of suicide car bombs. Due to the high unemployment levels in the country there has been a steady stream of young Iraqi men willing to risk their lives for a monthly wage. Hundreds of these died even before becoming police officers, having been killed by suicide car bombs whilst queueing at recruitment stations.

Another serious problem for the police force has been the infiltration of its ranks by insurgents. With access to priviliged information, training and weapons they have used the force to their tactical advantage. Many police stations have been attacked, blown up, and, at times, been occupied by resistance fighters. As a result, many police officers have deserted their posts or have, in some cases, joined the resistance.

In May 2004 reports suggested that the number of personnel in the force stood at 40,000 although with so many desertions and non-attendance of posts this number is by no means certain.


Armament, uniforms, and livery

Weapons carried by IP personnel include autopistols amd AK-47s. Their usual uniform of a light blue shirt and blue trousers are like those issued in the USAF, and incorporates a US Army Military Police-pattern black brassard bearing an Iraqi flag over the capital Roman letters IP in white. A black beret is also worn, and rank is indicated by shoulderboards. Newer patrol vehicles are mostly white with blue doors.

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