NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Metro Nashville Police Department was picked as one of 24 U.S. agencies to train Iraqi police officials.
Officers from the Kurdistan region of Iraq have been in Music City to meet with command staff, observe field training, and ride along with patrol supervisors. The program was designed to introduce Iraqi officers to American policing procedures.
The visit was paid for by a grant from the U.S. Department of State and Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement.
The effort "will also seek to establish solid, long-term relationships as Iraqis work alongside U.S. police officers for a unique on-the-job experience," said an official with the Department of State.
Officials said Nashville was picked for the department's excellence in training officers and work with diverse communities.
Around 120 Iraqi officials will participate in the program at several locations over the next three years.
The MNPD was picked for the training program by the Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
