Iraq adds hundreds to police ranks

BAGHDAD, July 21 (UPI) -- Iraq has graduated its largest class ever of police officers with 1,698 newly trained recruits joining the force, the government reports.

The Ministry of Interior says the newest graduates of the Baghdad Police College took the oath of office at ceremonies Sunday.

The new officers will be assigned to security and administrative positions in the Iraqi police, National Police, Border Police and Traffic Police.

"Your work will give the citizens hope and security in a free and democratic Iraq," Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani told the graduates. "You will share with your police brothers the challenges to defeat terrorists and continue to reduce crimes in every province in Iraq."