Dangers Faced By Iraqi Police
The Iraqi Police has faced numerous problems since it was reformed by the Coalition Provisional Authority after the fall of Baghdad, It has become the target of fighters from both inside and outside Iraq with many thousands of officers killed by a combination of gunfire and bombings by Iraqi insurgents, foreign terrorists and in some cases, friendly fire by Coalition troops. an estimated 4,250 serving Iraqi police officers had been killed between January 2005 and the 4 March 2006. Due to the rather high unemployment levels in Iraq, there has been a willing number of young Iraqi men willing to join up to do the task. A large number have died even before pulling on a uniform after being killed by both suicide bombers and suicide car bombs whilst queueing at police recruitment stations.
The IP has also seen the infiltration of its ranks by insurgents of various guises and motives. With access to privileged information, training and weapons they have used the force to their tactical advantage. Many police stations have been attacked, blown up, had weapons stolen from them and at times occupied by those who oppose the Iraqi government. As a result, many police officers have abandoned their posts,.
As of October 7, 2006, 12,000 Iraqi Police have deserted, with 4,000 killed.
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