Posted on 01/17/2009 6:50:26 PM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD — As the Security Agreement between the Government of Iraq and Coalition forces gains momentum, the Iraqi people continue to assume the responsibility for the security of their country.
This is no different in the rural, farming area of Arab Jabour, where local citizens took a stand to improve their quality of life and safety by supporting the grand opening of the Arab Jabour Iraqi Police (IP) Station, Jan. 11.
“This IP Station was made a reality because a local shaykh donated the land where this station is located,” said Air Force Capt. Christopher Snell, a Police Transition Team Training officer serving with Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
“This gesture truly illustrates the concern for safety and security from the local population,” Snell said. “The neighborhood had previously had a concerned citizens group that would patrol the community, but they wanted to do more.”
After the community members decided on a Police station, a local tribal leader donated the land to the Ministry of Interior and asked that a local Police station be built.
After months of processing the request, building efforts began on the parcel of land. The IPs, along with their Police Transition Team partners, continued to work together to ensure the building would provide the functionality needed for law enforcement.
“The Iraqi Police really took the lead on the process of opening this Police station,” said Snell. “We were there to support them on the plans, but they wanted to take full responsibility for the project and they just kept moving forward on it.”
The community was praised by Iraqi Police officials for taking the initiative to further secure their neighborhood.
“The benefits of this gift will be for all the people of Iraq,” said Iraqi Police Maj. Gen. Khadim, commander of the Provincial Directorate of Police for Baghdad. “Together, we have recognized the importance of reconciliation and its benefits.”
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