Posted on 03/01/2010 4:01:46 PM PST by SandRat
CONTINGENCY OUTPOST ADDER – With the help of U.S. forces, Iraqi Police here are preparing themselves to provide a safe and secure environment for voters during the March 7 Iraqi elections.
In the Dhi Qar province in southern Iraq, local IP forces have stopped their regular training to prep for the long Election Day ahead of them.
In an-Nasiriyah, warehouses are filled with ballots ready be shipped out all over the province. U.S. assessment teams have been checking these high-profile areas for cracks in security to prevent any terrorist activities that would hamper the election process.
"The warehouse stores ballots before and after casting," said Chuk Atun, the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team commander. Atun is in Iraq as a civilian working to get IP trained in more advanced criminal investigation techniques.
Security on the warehouse compound is complimented by guard towers and gates manned by IP who keep a watchful eye on the surrounding city.
When Election Day arrives, many elements will be working together to ensure the safety of the citizens.
In an effort to prevent suicide bomber attacks, female Iraqi contractors have received training from female U.S. Soldiers on searching women who come to the polling stations.
"We were tasked to teach them proper searching procedures," said Spc. Michele Williams, a radio repair specialist with Co. F, 121st Brigade Support Battalion, from Houston, Texas. "We got really involved; they were willing to learn."
The poll workers learned how to search quickly and efficiently, what to do when they come across contraband and how to do a secondary search if contraband has been found, Williams said.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.