British Police Volunteers Sought to Train Iraqis

Ministers are to appeal for 200 British police officers to volunteer to be sent to Iraq in the new year as part of the reconstruction plans for the country.

The officers will be asked to serve in the country for between six and 12 months, and will principally be used to train the Iraqi police force, rather than serve as a peacekeeping or police force.

Two senior British chief police officers are already working in Iraq and their advice will be crucial in determining if it is safe enough for the constables to be sent there.

"Every effort will be made to ensure police officers' safety while on mission," the police minister, Hazel Blears, said. "The security position will be reviewed regularly."

Chief constables will be asked to encourage volunteers to join a pool of 200 officers willing to go to Iraq. The pool will be used to ensure there will always be about 100 officers on active duty the country.

The officers will provide the local police with general and firearms training and act as mentors. British officers will also train the Iraqi police service in an undisclosed third country.

Ms Blears said: "Officers will be recruited according to experience and the skills required for the post."