Helping to train Iraq's police force

A team of Czech military police officers recently left for Saiba, a base in southern Iraq and have begun to help train Iraq's police force. The 100 member Czech contingent is working in close cooperation with British, Danish and Dutch military officers who together have already trained over 2,000 Iraqi policemen to help maintain law and order in the war torn country.

Helping to train Iraq's police force

Iraq, photo: CTK

Since Iraq desperately needs its own functioning police force the crash course for Iraqi police instructors only lasts for a fortnight during which time they receive basic training in shooting, criminal investigation and a traffic police course. After just two weeks they have be ready to face the streets - and as certified instructors - train other officers in the same duties. I managed to get a line to Iraq, to talk to Czech warrant officer Radek Vyslouzil. He told me that despite the limited time and resources he felt the course was worthwhile.

"They are eager to learn and they make a big effort to do so. We have instruction techniques based on situations so as to make it easier for them to grasp the rules. In some cases the people we work with can't read or write but they make a huge effort and we find that they really manage to memorize everything we tell them. At first you think -how are these people going to work in the streets without knowing how to read and write - but it's a whole different world out here. And when they start work they usually patrol the streets in groups of six -so there are always a number of them in the group who are literate. In fact, that's the case of the great majority. And they cooperate with us really well. There's an interpreter present at all times so there are no language problems and no cultural barriers either - we tell them we are Christians and they accept that and respect us as equals."

Czech military police officers, photo: CTK

Due to the rise in terrorist attacks and kidnappings, security at the base is very tight. But Radek says it makes them feel safe - as safe as one can feel in present day Iraq.

"I think our base has been made very secure. It is very well protected against a missile attack or mortar fire. Of course we are aware of the dangers but so far have not felt any hostilities. We rarely get to leave the base but when we've travelled through Basra most people welcome the sight of the Czech flag on our cars. They remember the Czech field hospital in Basra and they appear glad to see us."

Warrant officer Radek Vyslouzil there speaking from Saiba southern Iraq, where he's helping to train Iraqi police officers.