This week, a new crop of 101 police officers successfully completed an eight-week police training course. They received their diplomas at Uruzgan’s Dutch-built police training centre.

The Netherlands has invested heavily in training and coaching members of the Afghan police. The training is given by the European Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL), in which the Dutch Royal Military and Border Police is participating, and by US and Australian police officers. This investment helps ensure security in the parts of Uruzgan currently controlled by Dutch forces.

The Afghan National Police recruits have been learning basic skills in body search procedures, traffic management, firearms use, hygiene, human rights, use of handcuffs and saluting. Many began the course with no experience whatsoever, but they have made remarkably quick progress, Uruzgan Task Force commander General Kees van den Heuvel said. Johan Verboom, the acting Civilian Representative, called on the new recruits to show honesty and loyalty when performing their duties. ‘At the end of the day,’ he said, ‘we are all working to achieve better living conditions for you and your children.’

The next group of recruits will begin their eight-week training in two weeks’ time. At the moment there is still a major shortage of well-trained police officers who can help guarantee the safety of ordinary people in Afghanistan.



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