US Study: Iraqi Police Training Should Be Immediately Handed Over to the Iraqis.

CNN reports that study conducted by Dept of Defense and State found poor screening procedures by US forces has resulted in infiltration of Iraqi police forces by insurgents.

The 100-page report went on to say there was "sufficient evidence to conclude" that insurgents were "among the ranks of the Iraq police service."

1600 Iraqi police have been killed this past year. The Pentagon says there are are 63000 fully trained police and the US has set a goal of 135000 trained police by the end of 2006.

"This emphasis on numbers overshadows the attention that should be given to the qualitative performance of those trained," the report said.

"There is a perception that training programs have produced 'cannon fodder' -- numbers of nominal policemen incapable of defending themselves, let alone the Iraqi public."
SNIP
Another key judgment in the report said Iraqi police training should be immediately handed over to the Iraqis. Otherwise, the coalition will be "destined to fall short in helping to create an effective police force."