TIKRIT, Iraq (May 2, 2008) – The Iraqi Police Regional Training Center celebrated its grand opening in Diyala Province, commemorating the establishment of an Iraqi Police professional training academy May 1.

Coalition forces built the interim facility in order to make possible the immediate training of thousands of Iraqi Police and to help place additional police forces throughout communities in Diyala. 

“We would like to thank Coalition forces for helping stand up this academy,” said Staff Maj. Gen. Ghanem abbas Ibrahim Hasan al Qarayshi, the Diyala Provincial Director of Police.

The facility is a sign of cross provincial cooperation as weapons and equipment for training were obtained from Salah ad Din Provincial Police leadership to assist in the professional training the students will receive.  The Iraqi Ministry of Interior also provided material and equipment to make the training as effective as possible.

“What we witnessed here today was direct cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Director of Police,” said Brig. Gen. James Boozer, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Division - North.  “Under Ghanem I know they will succeed.”

The first class is scheduled to graduate May 15 with an estimated 500 new Iraqi Police reporting for duty.