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KABUL, Afghanistan (July 1, 2008) - The first class of the
Afghan National Police's "Jump Start" program graduated at the
Central Training Center here June 26.
The 229 men and four women in the class were trained by
instructors from DynCorp International, a private military
contracting company.
Jump Start is a police training program modeled after the
focused district development police-reform program, in which
Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan is working to
develop a professional, well-trained, fully equipped police force
throughout the country. Jump Start focuses solely on the Afghan
capital of Kabul and its 16 police districts.
"Jump Start is a process of reforming the way local police
officers are trained," said Canadian Superintendant Ray Noble, Jump
Start coordinator. "Jump Start picked the best aspects of FDD and
utilizes those elements to train police forces in Kabul."
According to U.S. Army Master Sgt. Frank Miranda, Kabul Capital
Police Command logistics coordinator for Combined Security
Transition Command Afghanistan, these new police officers are
better-trained than their predecessors.
"From Day One, they are taught police ethics. This type of
training is also meant to remove the stigma of the police," Miranda
said.
Noble, a native of Fort Francis, Ontario, Canada, and officer in
charge of Prince Rupert Detachment, Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
said applicants for the program must meet strict criteria before
being permitted to enroll.
"These students are getting the message," Noble said. "They have
been taught how corruption will not benefit them, and that it can
even lead to increased violence against them. More importantly, we
teach them if they follow their training and the rules, they will
have the people's respect."
Jump Start students receive training in the use of firearms,
combat tactics, first aid, self-defense, improvised explosive
devices, human rights, and the tenets of the Afghan
constitution.
"Our students are trained in all aspects of police work. They
learn to handle civil disturbances as well as domestic violence,"
said Col. Hashim, Afghan National Police training deputy. "Our
students learn to maintain checkpoints, conduct personal searches
and manage crime scenes. They recognize this is an important
job."
Hashim said he is most proud of the four women in the graduating
class.
"When Afghans see women in uniform, others will be encouraged to
join," he said. "I am sure we will see many more women enrolling in
the future."
Hashim, who oversees the training of various ANP programs
including Jump Start and the Trauma Assistance Program, said all
cities need a secure environment, and Jump Start will provide a
valuable service to Kabul's citizens.
"Kabul is our capital city. With the capital buildings, the
ministries of Defense and Interior and the embassies all here in
Kabul, we need security," Hashim said. "If we have no police, we
are not secure."
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