Suicide by Cop: Understanding, Case Studies, and Implications for Law Enforcement

The term Suicide by Cop (SbC) refers to a tragic and complex phenomenon where an individual, intent on ending their life, deliberately behaves in a threatening manner toward police officers to provoke a lethal response. This form of victim-precipitated homicide has increasingly become a subject of public debate and scholarly research, as it raises profound ethical, legal, and tactical questions for both law enforcement agencies and society at large.

Defining Suicide by Cop

Suicide by Cop is generally defined as an incident where a suicidal individual engages in behavior intended to elicit the use of deadly force by police. Such behavior may include brandishing weapons, issuing threats, or directly requesting that officers shoot them. While the term has only been in use for a few decades, studies suggest that such incidents have occurred for as long as modern policing has existed (Parent, 2004).

Research indicates that SbC accounts for approximately 10 to 29 percent of officer-involved shootings in the United States annually (Meloy & Mohandie, 2009). The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, for example, reported that 11 percent of their police shootings over a ten-year period were classified as SbC incidents, with the vast majority of individuals being male, and nearly half armed with firearms (Anglin & Hutson, 1998).

Characteristics and Risk Factors

SbC incidents often share common characteristics. Most individuals involved in such events are men, often suffering from untreated mental health conditions, substance abuse, or facing overwhelming life stressors such as relationship breakdowns or legal troubles. Many have access to firearms, knives, or other weapons, though some incidents involve imitation weapons or verbal threats alone (Hanna, 2017).

In a significant number of cases, individuals make explicit suicidal statements prior to or during the encounter, directly asking officers to shoot them. A 2009 study found that over 87 percent of SbC subjects had made suicidal statements, underscoring the tragic nature of these confrontations (Meloy & Mohandie, 2009).

Case Studies

The following case studies illustrate the diversity and complexity of SbC incidents in recent years:

1. Staten Island, New York (March 2025)

In March 2025, a 55-year-old man stood outside a Home Depot in Staten Island, firing shots into the air. When police arrived, the man pointed his firearm at officers, reportedly telling them to shoot him. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, officers were ultimately forced to open fire, fatally wounding him. Authorities later classified the incident as an apparent case of Suicide by Cop (New York Post, 2025).

2. Christian Hall, Pennsylvania (December 2020)

Nineteen-year-old Christian Hall was shot and killed by Pennsylvania State Troopers after standing on an overpass holding what appeared to be a firearm. Despite negotiations and pleas for him to drop the weapon, Hall raised it toward the officers, prompting them to fire. The weapon was later identified as a pellet gun. Hall had exhibited clear suicidal ideation prior to the incident, leading investigators to classify it as an SbC case (Wikipedia, 2025a).

3. Andrew Brannan, Georgia (1998)

Vietnam veteran Andrew Brannan was pulled over for speeding by Deputy Kyle Dinkheller. During the stop, Brannan became increasingly agitated, shouted for the deputy to shoot him, and ultimately retrieved a rifle from his vehicle, firing upon the deputy and killing him. Though this incident escalated beyond a typical SbC scenario into a murder of a law enforcement officer, Brannan’s initial behavior is consistent with the known pattern of SbC (Wikipedia, 2025b).

4. Christopher Penley, Florida (2006)

Fifteen-year-old Christopher Penley brought a realistic-looking Airsoft gun to his middle school in Longwood, Florida, leading to a standoff with police. Despite efforts by officers to negotiate with him, Penley pointed the weapon toward them, prompting a fatal shooting. The incident was later understood as a case of Suicide by Cop involving a minor (Wikipedia, 2025c).

5. Christian Glass, Colorado (June 2022)

In a highly publicized case, Christian Glass called 911 after his car became stuck in Silver Plume, Colorado. During the prolonged police response, Glass, experiencing a mental health crisis, refused to exit his vehicle and held a small knife. Despite the availability of non-lethal options, a deputy ultimately shot and killed him. The case sparked national debate and led to a $19 million settlement and mandatory crisis intervention training for deputies. While Glass never explicitly requested to be shot, his behavior and statements suggested suicidal intent (Wikipedia, 2025d).

Challenges for Law Enforcement

SbC incidents present significant challenges for police officers, who must make split-second decisions under extreme stress. Officers are trained to respond to immediate threats to their safety or the public, yet the presence of suicidal intent complicates these scenarios.

A groundbreaking study from California State University, Fullerton, revealed that many SbC incidents can be resolved without lethal force, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation, time, distance, and crisis intervention techniques (Panaza & Jordan, 2020). In fact, research shows that only about one percent of police interventions with suicidal subjects result in a fatal outcome when officers employ structured de-escalation protocols.

Organizations such as the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) have developed comprehensive SbC training programs. These programs focus on recognizing suicidal indicators, creating time and space, avoiding premature displays of force, and utilizing mental health professionals when possible (Police Executive Research Forum, n.d.).

Conclusion

Suicide by Cop remains a tragic and complex aspect of modern policing. While such incidents account for a significant proportion of officer-involved shootings, evolving research and tactical training offer pathways for reducing fatalities. Through continued investment in de-escalation strategies, mental health crisis response, and public education, law enforcement can better navigate these high-stakes situations, preserving both lives and public trust.

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References

Anglin, D. M., & Hutson, H. R. (1998). Suicide by cop. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 32(6), 665–669.

Hanna, M. (2017). Suicide by Cop: A Sociological Study of Comparative Cases (Unpublished thesis). University of California, Davis.

Meloy, J. R., & Mohandie, K. (2009). Suicide by cop among officer‑involved shooting cases. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 54(3), 622–628.

Panaza, N. R., & Jordan, A. (2020). ‘Suicide by cop’ study leads to new training for police. CSUF News. https://news.fullerton.edu/2020/01/suicide-by-cop-study/

Parent, R. B. (2004). Aspects of police use of deadly force in North America: The phenomenon of victim‑precipitated homicide (Doctoral dissertation). Simon Fraser University.

Police Executive Research Forum. (n.d.). Suicide by Cop: Protocol and Training Guide. https://www.policeforum.org/suicidebycop

Wikipedia contributors. (2025a). Killing of Christian Hall. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Christian_Hall

Wikipedia contributors. (2025b). Murder of Kyle Dinkheller. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kyle_Dinkheller

Wikipedia contributors. (2025c). Killing of Christopher Penley. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Christopher_Penley

Wikipedia contributors. (2025d). Killing of Christian Glass. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Christian_Glass

New York Post. (2025, March 6). NYPD fatally shoots man firing gun in air outside NYC Home Depot in apparent suicide by cop. https://nypost.com/2025/03/06/us-news/nypd-fatally-shoot-man-who-was-firing-gun-in-air-outside-home-depot-in-apparent-suicide-by-cop-sources/

Police Training and De-Escalation Techniques for Handling Mental Health Crisis Calls

Law enforcement officers are often the first responders to emergency calls involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. These encounters can be highly challenging, as they require a delicate balance between ensuring public safety and providing appropriate support and care for those in distress. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need for specialized police training in handling mental health crisis calls and employing de-escalation techniques to reduce the potential for violence and harm.

The Challenges of Responding to Mental Health Crisis Calls

When police officers respond to mental health crisis calls, they encounter individuals who may be experiencing extreme emotions, confusion, agitation, or even psychosis. In such situations, traditional law enforcement tactics may not be the most effective or appropriate approach. The use of force or the escalation of confrontational tactics can exacerbate the individual's condition and lead to adverse outcomes for both the person in crisis and the responding officers.

Studies have shown that encounters between law enforcement and individuals with mental health issues are more likely to result in use of force and arrests compared to interactions with the general public. This alarming trend highlights the importance of developing comprehensive training programs to equip police officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle mental health crisis calls effectively.

Specialized Police Training for Mental Health Crisis Response

Recognizing the need for specialized training, many law enforcement agencies have implemented Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs. CIT training equips officers with a deeper understanding of mental health conditions, crisis de-escalation techniques, and strategies for providing appropriate referrals to mental health resources.

CIT programs typically involve collaboration between law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, advocates, and community stakeholders. The training emphasizes the following key areas:

1. Understanding Mental Health: Officers receive education on various mental health disorders, including their signs and symptoms. This knowledge helps them recognize potential mental health crisis situations and respond more compassionately.

2. De-Escalation Techniques: Officers learn de-escalation strategies aimed at defusing tense situations without resorting to force. Effective communication, active listening, and non-confrontational approaches are central to these techniques.

3. Crisis Communication: Training includes strategies for effective crisis communication with individuals in distress. Officers are taught how to empathize, establish rapport, and gain cooperation during challenging encounters.

4. Scenario-Based Training: Practical, scenario-based exercises allow officers to practice their de-escalation skills in simulated mental health crisis situations. This hands-on approach helps build confidence and enhances their ability to respond effectively in real-life scenarios.

5. Collaborative Partnerships: CIT programs encourage collaboration between law enforcement and mental health service providers. Establishing strong partnerships ensures that individuals in crisis receive appropriate care and support beyond the immediate response.

Promoting Positive Outcomes

The implementation of specialized police training for handling mental health crisis calls has shown promising results in various communities. Studies have indicated that CIT-trained officers are more likely to divert individuals to mental health services rather than making arrests or using force. These encounters often lead to more positive outcomes, such as connecting individuals to treatment and support services rather than subjecting them to the criminal justice system.

However, it is essential to recognize that CIT training is just one part of a broader approach to improving crisis response. Continued collaboration between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community organizations is critical for developing comprehensive strategies that prioritize safety, compassion, and effective crisis intervention.

Conclusion

Effective police training in handling mental health crisis calls and employing de-escalation techniques is vital for promoting the well-being of individuals in distress and ensuring public safety. By equipping officers with the skills and knowledge to recognize and respond appropriately to mental health crises, law enforcement agencies can reduce the potential for negative outcomes and build stronger, more empathetic connections with the communities they serve. As we continue to work towards improving crisis response, collaborative efforts and ongoing education will be essential in achieving positive and compassionate outcomes for all involved.

Former Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan Honored by the FBI

On Thursday, April 12, 2012, FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen of the Jackson Field Office recognized former Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan for his more than 40 years of service to the citizens of Mississippi and for his support of and contributions to the FBI’s investigative and training efforts in the state of Mississippi.

Sheriff Bryan was honored at a ceremony held during the FBI’s National Academy retrainer in Jackson, Mississippi. Over 60 graduates of the FBI’s National Academy and law enforcement officers from numerous federal, state, and local agencies were in attendance as SAC McMullen presented an engraved plaque to Sheriff Bryan that states:

Presented to Sheriff Dolph Bryan

for His Committed and Dedicated Service

to the Citizens of Mississippi

and His Invaluable Contributions to the FBI.

Sheriff Bryan, who was born and raised in Starkville, Mississippi, began his career as an Oktibbeha County Deputy Sheriff in May 1973. He was elected sheriff of Oktibbeha County in 1976 and served in that position until January 2012. Sheriff Bryan is a graduate of the 178th Session of the National Academy, which ran from July 10 to September 23, 1994. He served as a member of the Executive Board of the FBI’s Mississippi Joint Terrorism Task Force and is the current chairman of the Law Enforcement Coordinating committee under the direction of the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Mississippi.

Reflective of Sheriff Bryan’s commitment to children, he co-chaired the organizing of the state of Mississippi’s Crime Stoppers Program and was instrumental in organizing the Mississippi Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranches for homeless and abused children, and he has served as chairman of its board of directors. Sheriff Bryan also serves on the board of directors of the Palmer Home for Children in Columbus, Mississippi.

Deputy Attorney General Speaks to Cincinnati Police Department Officers

As prepared for delivery

Thank you, Mayor Mallory and Chief Craig, for the opportunity to address the officers of the Cincinnati Police Department today.   It is always an honor to speak to men and women who serve and protect their fellow citizens.   It is a special honor to speak to officers who are investing additional time in training to further improve their skills.  

The training conducted by the Community Relations Service and community partners today is designed to provide tools to enhance your ability to build partnerships with community members and to work with your fellow citizens who share a commitment to public safety. 

The CPD sought this training because it recognized that in order to maintain its deep commitment to community policing, it must keep seeking new opportunities to build community partnerships.   As you know, the Attorney General came to Cincinnati last year to recognize this commitment and to announce that the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services had awarded the CPD over 6.8 million dollars to put more cops on the beat.   With Chief Craig’s leadership, the CPD has embraced community problem oriented policing to allow officers and the community to work together to solve problems. 

Cincinnati depends on you to keep the city safe.   But you can’t do it alone.   There are a thousand of you.   But there are nearly 300,000 people who live in the city of Cincinnati.   The vast majority of them have the same goal as you.    They want their city to be safe.   They want the law to be followed and enforced.   Unlike you, they haven’t made a career out of this, and they probably don’t think of themselves as being part of law enforcement.

But they are.   As you all know, the community isn’t just a collection of people who might one day commit a crime or become a victim of a crime.   Instead, it’s a set of partners who we can work with to stop crimes before they happen.   And when crimes occur, it’s a roster of teammates who can help us apprehend the perpetrators and help victims heal. 

The police and the community share responsibility and accountability for public safety.  Within every community there are business and professional groups, social service agencies, religious and civic organizations—all potential resources for dealing with many of the problems that confront the police.  Many of these organizations are eager to donate time and effort and to give you the benefit of their experience and their insights. 

There are parts of the world where everyone shares the same culture, the same religion, and the same language.   But that’s not America.   And it’s not Cincinnati.   According to the Census Bureau, there are over 13,000 people in this city who were born outside of the United States.   There are around 20,000 whose primary language isn’t English.   And there are still more who follow customs and traditions that our own upbringing didn’t expose us to. 

You are receiving training in two classes.   One is Cultural Professionalism, which will teach you how to identify the perspectives of various cultures and communities, the impact of police culture on communities, and how communication can bridge cultural divides.   The other class, today’s class, is Arab/Muslim/Sikh Cultural Awareness Training.   This class is designed to foster mutual understanding and enhance law enforcement outreach capabilities to Arab, Muslim, and Sikh communities by addressing cultural behaviors and sensitivities, stereotypes, and expectations.

Unfortunately, one of the many tragic legacies of the attacks of September 11, 2001 has been an increase in prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed against persons of the Muslim and Sikh faiths and those who are, or who are mistakenly perceived to be, of Arab or South Asian descent.   Soon after 9/11, President Bush made clear to the nation that these terrorist acts were committed by individuals who distort the peaceful religion of Islam, and that Arab-Americans and Muslim Americans suffered with all Americans when our nation was attacked.  Most Americans recognize this.   Yet some have wrongly sought to blame the horror of 9/11 on Arab-American, Muslim American, Sikh-American and South Asian American communities.    This has led to attacks against places of worship and other hate crimes, to job discrimination, and to the tragic harassment of children in our schools.   

And this has added an extra layer of complexity to law enforcement efforts to partner with these communities.   The Department of Justice has therefore developed this training to help give you the tools to build mutual trust and respect with these communities.

Of course, at the end of the day, the basic principles of community policing apply without regard to race, religion, or national origin.   Simply put, we can succeed at protecting our community only if we understand our community and only if our community understands us.   When that happens, important information is more likely to be volunteered to authorities.  Suspicious and unusual activity will be reported, and investigations can proceed.  If you talk to the community, the community is more likely to talk to you.   And if you listen to community, the community is more likely to listen to you. 

By learning more about the diversity of the community that you serve, you gain an understanding that allows you to work more effectively.    But this training also recognizes that in order to be effective partners, community members must learn more about you and the challenges that you confront every day. 

We live in a time when there’s a lot of mistrust of government.   And that makes our jobs harder.   We live in a world where police officers themselves can be subject to stereotypes.  People who have come to Cincinnati from countries or cities where they or their family members have had negative experiences with law enforcement are more likely to be wary of police officers and to assume the worst.   So it’s not enough for us to know in our hearts that we enforce the law evenhandedly and fairly.   We have to convince people that we do.   We have to win their trust. 

Trust is a key law enforcement tool.   Gaining people’s trust helps compensate for misunderstandings.    Nobody’s perfect.   Officers sometimes have no choice but to make decisions and judgments without knowing all the relevant facts.   Mistakes will happen.   But when you are trusted, you will receive the benefit of the doubt.   Your mistakes will be put into context rather than being seen as manifestations of disrespect.   A door that opened once will open again.

This summer Cincinnati will be hosting the World Choir Games.   I am told that this is the largest meeting in the history of Cincinnati, with 48 countries sending competitors, 200,000 anticipated spectators and an economic impact on the region of 73 million dollars.   As far as visitors go, I would imagine that people who sing in choirs, and those who buy tickets to watch them, rank rather low on the threat spectrum.   But adding 200,000 spectators to a city of 300,000 means that some people might bump elbows.   And this is an opportunity for the CPD to display its professionalism and skills before an international audience.   For many visitors, this will be their first time in America.   Some may be coming from places where the police command fear rather than respect.   And some may live in communities where those who look or act differently do not get a fair shake from law enforcement. 

These visitors will take back stories of their time in Cincinnati and in America.   You have a chance to be ambassadors for the United States, and to provide a model for others of how a police force can interact professionally with diverse populations.   And maybe you will plant a seed in the minds of some visitors that will lead them to go home and work to improve their own law enforcement systems based upon what they saw in Cincinnati.

The World Choir Games will come and go, but it is my hope that the training you receive today will serve you well throughout your career in law enforcement.   On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, I thank you for coming here today, and I thank you for your service to your community.  

FBI Top Stories: National Academy Associates Never Stop Learning

FBI Debriefs Investigation of MLK Day Bombing Attempt

The bomb scattered shrapnel through metal filing cabinets and human-sized dummies. Frank Harrill, FBI Seattle’s Supervisory Senior Resident Agent (SSRA) for eastern Washington, turned from the video and explained how this demo replicated the potential force of the explosive device planted at the January 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day march in Spokane, Washington.

On December 2, 2011, Harrill presented to FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) lessons learned from the investigation of the attempted parade attack. Harrill pointed out many aspects of the law enforcement response that worked well—such as the decision of the Spokane Police Department to change the routing of the march immediately after receiving word that a suspicious backpack had been reported along the planned route. Harrill also suggested ways that information flow might be optimized, should similar incidents occur in the future.

This investigation debrief supports the FBINAA mission to provide FBI National Academy (NA) graduates with opportunities for continuing education, training, professional development, peer networking, and research in law enforcement disciplines. Just as the FBI selected NA participants because of their high standards in law enforcement work, the FBINAA sponsors enrichment activities and events in order to promote improved leadership, cooperation, services, efficiencies, and higher standards of professional conduct in all levels of law enforcement throughout the world.

Other training the FBINAA has hosted includes “Ethical Policing,” “A Case Study on Public Corruption,” and “Mentoring Across Gender Lines”—and that’s just in the last few months, among a whole year of events.

Membership in the Washington chapter of the FBINAA comprises 390 members, of which 55 percent are still active law enforcement officers representing 98 different agencies. Several of the retired members, even though no longer serving in a commissioned status, are still employed in law enforcement agencies.

“The caliber of personnel the FBI has sent to the NA has been outstanding,” says FBI Seattle’s training coordinator, Special Agent Colleen Sanders. “It benefits the community to have graduates come back together through the FBINAA and continue to share their expertise with each other.”

“The networking we do at these training sessions have created partnerships that would have never existed,” says Commander Scott Child of the Kennewick Police Department. “Located in our department’s space, we now have an FBI Violent Gang Task Force that came to fruition due to contacts made through the Washington FBINAA Chapter.”

The FBINAA Washington Chapter will continue to grow because FBI Seattle each year nominates additional participants for the NA. Participants join over 250 fellow law enforcement officers from around the country and around the world for ten weeks of vigorous training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. NA students take courses focused on leadership development that emphasize critical thinking. Course offerings include legal issues, behavioral science, forensic science, law enforcement communication, and fitness. (Read more about the National Academy.)

Five Washington state law enforcement officers will attend the first of four NA sessions in 2012: Assistant Chief William Pierson, Auburn Police Department; Deputy Chief Bradley Moericke, Sumner Police Department; Commander David King, Vancouver Police Department; Sergeant Lyman Moores, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office; and Deputy Chief Carlos Echevarria Tulalip, Tribal Police Department.

“Officers who attend the NA are given a great gift,” says NA graduate Chief Bonnie Bowers of the Anacortes Police Department, reflecting on what she would tell incoming NA participants. “I thought of my time there as a sabbatical. It was a time to recharge, gain knowledge and skills, challenge myself, and reaffirm my commitment to my department.”

“I would encourage anyone given the opportunity to go, to do so and make the most of the experience,” says Bowers.

Given the high recommendation by Bowers and many others, the incoming Washington state NA participants appear to have powerful experiences ahead of them. And given the FBINAA’s mission to continue learning and strengthening networks of colleagues, the academy itself seems to be just the beginning.

Program Trains Auxiliary Police Officers in Afghanistan

By Navy Lt. Neil Myers
Special to American Forces Press Service

June 30, 2008 - A Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team program here trains Afghan men to become part of the Afghan National Auxiliary Police force. The three-week Police Training and Advisory Team program was conducted at Camp Wright, near Asadabad, and is the only one of its kind in the province. The trainees come from every district in the province and are housed at the Asadabad police headquarters during their training.

"Many of the police trainees arrive at the ANAP course with poor discipline," Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos A. Ramirez, of the Kunar PRT, said. "We teach them discipline through repetitive activities and specially designed physical exercise."

After physical exercise, the trainees attend classroom training led by one of three Afghan police officer instructors attached to the Police Training and Advisory Team program.

Trainees learn traffic accident investigation, weapons familiarization, domestic violence investigation, vehicle searches, community policing, explosives detection, the penal code, baton training, handcuffing, and a variety of other law enforcement skills.

"I think it's good to have our three Afghan teachers leading the lecture part of the training, because they speak the Pashto language, and about half of the trainees speak very little English," Navy Seaman Brian L. Boyd Jr. of the Kunar PRT said.

The Police Training and Advisory Team military staff, assisted by four interpreters, teaches practical, hands-on training in the afternoon.

"Initially the trainees are reserved, due to the fact that for many, this is their first interaction with coalition forces," Boyd said. "Midway through the class, they interact more with us. By graduation, many of us are good friends. If we maintain this program, Afghanistan will improve, because these trainees want to become [Afghan National Police officers] and truly want their country to succeed."

The goal of coalition forces is to have Afghanistan secure and govern itself. Security is a big issue in Kunar province, and the police play a huge role toward accomplishing that goal, PRT officials said, and the PTAT contributes to that effort by providing a steady pool of well-trained police officers who are ready to serve their country.

A typical auxiliary police candidate, 36-year-old Ali hails from the Shigal district. He is married and has seven children. Ali is eager to complete the training and eventually get hired by the Afghan National Police at the end of his three-year auxiliary police contract. He has a positive attitude toward the coalition forces and understands they are here to help him rebuild his country, officials said.

The program also mentors police chiefs.

"We go to every district and survey the police station, meet with the police chief, and ascertain their needs," Ramirez said. "Whether it be facility improvements, more staff or equipment, the PTAT mentors and shows police chiefs how to properly coordinate assistance with other agencies for help run their stations. In some cases, PTAT provides assistance with building upgrades and repairs."

To date, PTAT has trained 290 auxiliary police officers, with 90 more candidates now enrolled.

(Navy Lt. Neil Myers serves with the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team.)

Marines Emphasize Character Building in Afghan Police Mission

By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 19, 2008 - The 1st Marine Division's 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines' is focusing on Afghan people, not on fighting terrorists, the battalion commander said May 16. "What's unique about our mission is that we're doing a police training and mentoring mission, as opposed to coming in here kinetically like a lot of our past exploits have been, especially in Iraq," Marine Corps Lt. Col. Richard Hall told online journalists and "bloggers" in a teleconference.

The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, deployed at the end of March for this mission to assist Afghanistan's Regional Security Command South with their focused district development program for Afghan police. The program rotates local police forces through eight weeks of uniformed-officer training at a central location, while highly trained Afghan national civil police work in their districts.

Hall explained that the battalion also will facilitate "in-district reform" police training for districts the Afghan national civil police are unable to backfill due to personnel shortages. "That is kind of the way that we can fast-track getting more of these districts [to] get their police trained," he said.

The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, had success in Iraq executing the police mission in Anbar province, Hall said, and he added that before this deployment, the battalion completed a month-long training exercise called "Mojave Viper," designed specifically to prepare them for the police situation in Afghanistan.

"We spent quite a bit of time focusing on escalation-of-force vignettes," he said. That training, he explained, focuses on the civil portion of police work.

Though the battalion will do the quantifiable work of improving the Afghans' policing skills, Hall said, the enduring piece of the training will need to be the mentoring and character development -- "in other words, doing the right thing when no one is looking," he said.

"The reason for that is, whether or not we get replaced, ... we need to teach a man to fish so that they could be self-sufficient with or without our presence," he explained. "They need to have the credibility and the respectability of their people in order to maintain that law and order presence, even if we're absent."

Hall said he believes that since the Marines and the Afghans are both "of a warrior culture," the battalion will be able to earn the credibility needed to influence and affect the character of the district police officers.

"I think [the Afghans are] ... going to catch the sense that we're really sincere about our mission and what we're trying to do, and they're going to make no distinction between us and them," Hall said. "I think that's really going to add to the character piece, because they absolutely do respect that of other men -- you know, sharing the danger and so forth."

But although that factor works in his favor, he acknowledged, it won't be easy.

"We don't pretend that it's not going to be a huge challenge," he said. "The truth will be in action, when we actually get out there, and we give it a try. We can only hope that everything I've said comes true."

(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of the American Forces Information Service.)

Soldiers, Airmen Help Afghan Police Hone Skills

By Army Sgt. Jessica R. Dahlberg
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 13, 2008 - The sound of idling Humvees resonated in the air as the police mentoring team commander briefed his team on convoy operations. With their orders received, the team mounted up and prepared to roll out, bound for Dandar, a small village in Afghanistan's Parwan province. Army Capt. Mark Moeckli and his team rolled out of Bagram Air Base and embarked on a scenic and treacherous journey over winding mountain roads.

Their task was to instruct the Afghan National Police on hand-to-hand combat, community policing, coordination-cell training, and criminal investigation.

Moeckli's team is made up of servicemembers who were trained in an array of military occupational specialties. With their combined expertise, they make a highly skilled and effective team, ready to tackle the task of teaching the skills Afghan police officers need to remain effective, he said.

The confident commander seemed secure in his team, which began work immediately.

"Some of the Afghan people do bad things, but most of the Afghan people want to see the Taliban gone and their country safe, just like we do," Moeckli said after returning from a meeting with Afghan National Police Col. Masoum Farzaie to discuss the day's objectives.

While the police mentoring team leadership met with the Afghan police colonel, the remaining team members prepared for a class on techniques for physical apprehension and restraint.

"We took it upon ourselves to give these training classes," said Army Capt. Donald Young, an Idaho National Guardsman and police mentoring team leader.

The teams of soldiers and airmen teach a variety of classes based upon the needs of the police in each district, Young explained. The day's classes were taught by the team's airmen, who are charged with training police in two provinces and 17 districts, and who recently taught police officers how to search personnel and control access to resources.

"The training is very good for us," Dawa Jan, an Afghan National Police officer, said. "Our main goal is security, and the classes the Americans give us help prepare us for that goal."

During the hands-on part of the class, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chris Padron, deployed from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., coached the police officers and gave them useful tips to help master the techniques.

"I love doing what I do," Padron said. "Teaching the Afghanistan National Police has been a great experience."

To become an Afghan National Police officer, applicants must have a high school education, go through testing and then attend a six-week course at one of the country's four academies. U.S. forces augment their training, helping them to retain the training they received at the academy.

"It is good for my policemen to learn from the Americans," Farazie said. "They have improved greatly since the Americans have come to teach them."

As the police mentoring team travels all over Parwan province, its goal is to give the Afghan National Police training and confidence they'll need to work without the assistance of coalition forces.

"We want to make the Afghanistan National Police sufficient, because in the end, it is not about us at all," Young said. "It is all about them."

(Army Sgt. Jessica R. Dahlberg serves with 382nd Public Affairs Detachment.)

Iraqi Interior Ministry Celebrates Police Day

American Forces Press Service

Jan. 11, 2008 - The Iraqi police were in the spotlight Jan. 9, as Iraq's Interior Ministry highlighted the growing numbers and capabilities of its police forces during its 86th annual Police Day ceremony. It was a day filled with celebrations, chanting and ceremonies to honor police across the country.

"We must prohibit partisanship and sectarianism in the ranks of the employees of the ministry," Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani said at Baghdad Police College. "We must think of ourselves as Iraqis first."

Speaking before 2,200 people in attendance, Bulani praised the awakening councils and concerned local citizens groups for their efforts in improving security. "They were the first spark," Bulani said of the awakening council in Iraq's Anbar province. "This is the people beginning to refuse the al Qaeda concept. They patriotically rejected al Qaeda ideology and fought back against the militia groups."

The citizens' cooperation represents an important link in the security work, Bulani added. Creating this bond with the people is an important link for the police and the stability of Iraq, he said.

At the Police Day ceremony, 1,044 new Iraqi police officers graduated from Baghdad Police College -- 744 of them from the nine-month police training course and 300 from the recruit training course.

Iraqi National Security Advisor Mowaffaq al-Rubaie said the police have played a major role in security operations in Baghdad. "With even more police trained this year, the police will be strong enough to enforce the security plan and law enforcement," he said.

The ceremony included demonstrations of martial arts, police dogs searching for contraband, and an emergency response unit. New this year was a demonstration of the explosive ordnance team using a robot to render safe a suspected roadside bomb. Five years ago, the Iraqi police didn't have robots or experience in operating them.

Another demonstration showed a flag-waving and reconciliation presentation representing Shiite, Sunni, Kurdish and Christian Iraqis. At the end, the group joined hands and raised their arms to the sky, then more than a dozen doves flew into the air as a policeman waved the Iraqi flag furiously and the crowd applauded.

"I was impressed with the skills and capabilities demonstrated here today during the ceremony," Army Maj. Gen. Michael Jones, director general of the Directorate of Interior Affairs, said. The Iraqi police are making considerable progress. It takes time, and they are heading in the right direction."

Also attending the ceremony were National Security Minister Shirwan al-Waili and several members of the Council of Representatives.

At the end of the ceremony, graduates and students celebrated loudly with chants and waving the Iraqi flag.

(From a Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq news release.)