The U.S. Department of State announced the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as the recipient of a Police Education grant that will provide Iraqi police officers, judicial investigators and corrections officers with the opportunity for enhanced professional development in law enforcement skills, knowledge and specialized expertise. The three-year grant, awarded through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) on September 20, 2010 in the amount of $4,698,537.00, will develop and implement a program inviting as many as 120 selected Iraqi officers to the U.S. to participate in a wide range of customized training courses provided by 15 participating federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

In addition to core courses in management and leadership, the State Department-funded program will offer specialized courses in areas such as criminal investigation, forensics, and border enforcement. The program will also seek to establish solid, long-term relationships as Iraqis work alongside U.S. police officers for a unique on-the-job experience.

Since 2003, the State Department has partnered with other U.S. Government agencies and international donors to assist the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi people in strengthening criminal justice systems in Iraq. The Police Education grant will contribute to the goal of the broader INL Police Development Program to foster the development of capabilities needed to sustain internal security operations and support the rule of law in Iraq.