Iraqi police bolster forces

BAGHDAD, March 19 (UPI) -- Baghdad police opened a new police station as communities just south of the capital launched a recruitment drive to boost national security forces.

The commander of the Baghdad police force, Maj. Gen. Kaadim al-Muhamadani, said it was imperative the new order of law in Iraq be the same "for everyone regardless if they are Sunni or Shiite."

U.S. military officials with Multi-National Corps-Iraq said in a news briefing that last year that many areas of Baghdad didn't have a viable business sector and many people were afraid to leave their houses. The new police stations, officials said, signaled that the work of Iraqi forces, the Sons of Iraq and U.S.-led forces had an impact on the security situation in Iraq.

"We are now in control of our towns," Muhamadani said. The new facility has a 530-officer capacity.

Meanwhile, in Arab Jabour, just south of Baghdad, U.S. and Iraqi officials hosted a recruitment drive for entrance into the Iraqi Police Academy.

The recruitment drive offered 300 spots into the academy. U.S. officials with MNC-I said it signaled a transitory period by the Iraqi central government as many of the members of the Sons of Iraq security force petitioned for the slots.

U.S. military officials said they never saw the Sons of Iraq as a long-term security solution, but viewed the many in attendance as a sign of their resolve to continue in securing Iraq's future.