RELEASE NUMBER: 060118-06
DATE POSTED: JANUARY 18, 2006
Iraqi Police Connect With Community
By Spc.
Barbara Ospina
1st BCT Public Affairs
KIRKUK, Iraq
(USASOC
News Service, Jan. 18, 2006) — Civil Affairs
Soldiers from the 451st Civil
Affairs Battalion, Pasadena,
Texas, joined forces with
the
Kirkuk Police on Jan. 9, on a patrol
to help
the officers build a stronger relationship with the community, a
relationship
that will remain steady for their country’s future.
The day’s mission began with a short but direct meeting with police
leaders,
where the CA Soldiers explained to the police what a good relationship
with the
citizens of Kirkuk
would encompass.
Much coordination and planning came to life when the Soldiers rolled
out of the
Kirkuk Police Station convoying with two police trucks, escorting 10
officers,
two trash trucks, and a bulldozer.
As the trash was cleaned off the streets, Iraqi Police, standing in the
back of
a patrol truck, started handing out candy and a variety of toys to
children.
As the word of candy and toys traveled through the neighborhood,
wide-eyed kids
came running from every direction, smiles flashing as they walked off
with
their new prized possession. With their hands flying up in the air in
hope of
not getting passed by, they yelled words like “Shakah-latah” meaning
chocolate.
“After about five minutes you could tell the Iraqi Police were happy
interacting with the kids,” said Staff Sgt. Ignacio Betancourt, a CA
team
sergeant with the 451st CA Battalion. “The kids
also
became more comfortable asking the police.”
While the candy and toy frenzy was going on, half of the police
entourage
walked through the underprivileged but thankful neighborhood talking to
the
residents and discussing any concerns they might have.
“A large concern among the people is their trash is not being picked up
as
often as it should,” Betancourt said. “So the schedule is going to be
revised
by the police.”
While relationships were being built, the police also put out important
information that they believe every citizen should be aware of. The
police used
loud speakers in their trucks to play messages advertising Kirkuk emergency
numbers.
“Most citizens get their emergency numbers off of television, which is
a
Baghdad-only number,” Betancourt
stated. “When
they call, all they’re told is they can’t help them, therefore we need
to make
sure they have a correct number to get help when it’s needed.”
The day’s efforts were only a piece of the overall plan that began
about a week
prior with Soldiers conducting surveys throughout the Kirkuk area to
achieve a
realistic grasp on the community’s view of the police and problems
throughout
their neighborhoods.
The surveys showed that the once neglected community, although thankful
for
their new and improved local security forces, desired more personal
interaction
with their police force.
“The people feel that the police are not spending any time talking to
them,”
said Betancourt. “Talking with
the people
helps build their trust.”
On that note the planning and building began.
The Soldiers addressed the issues and concerns by relaying the
information to
the police for resolution. During a visit on Jan.
6, the people raised the issue that their power lines were not working
well and
that their trash was continuously building up. The power lines were
fixed and
functioning properly within hours of their visit.
In collaboration with this recent outreach to the community, businesses
have
come together and will be making large banners showing they are against
violence.
When all was said and done the mission was a success, as citizens are
starting
to stand tall in support of one another and their views.
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