|
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (May 5, 2008) - The people of Yusifiyah had
reason to celebrate when the Yusifiyah Iraqi Police Station
officially opened its doors to serve the community last week.
After 10 months of renovations, the Yusifiyah police force has a
new headquarters.
"The constant presence of police in Yusifiyah is going to
provide a consistent level of security," said Lt. Col. Andrew
Rohling, the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) commander.
Previous attempts at establishing a police station in the area
failed due to al-Qaeda presence.
"Security in Yuifiyah area is far better than what it was a year
ago thanks to combined efforts between the Iraqi Army and
Coalition," Rohling said. "The IPs are now going to play a more
vital role."
Until the opening of the IP station only 15 police patrolled the
city, all of whom came from the Yusifiyah Joint Security
Station.
"The police activity was previously very limited, as the
majority of work came toward providing force security for the JSS,"
said 1st Lt. James Gasapo, from Syracuse, N.Y., 3rd BCT provost
marshal. "The overall number of Iraqi Police in the area now totals
in the hundreds."
The majority of the policemen are from the Yusifiyah area. They
were trained at Camp Fiji, Iraqi Police training at the Baghdad
International Airport.
"In order for cities and towns to function properly they need
security," Gasapo said. "The Iraqi Police provide the policing
assistance to the area to help create security and perceptional
security in the eyes of the locals which will enable them to
establish effective business, enabling the people to utilize those
businesses. The Yusifiyah wholesale market is a perfect example of
that."
|
