AFGHAN Civilian Police: Police Instead of Soldiers
Abstract
Socio-cultural dynamics determines the training and employment of the Afghan Civilian Police (ACP) in Afghanistan. Local traditions, religion, society and ethnic groups current and past interactions with the central government and the history of police forces need to be understood as well. Each region and tribal area has its own distinct cultures and traditions that will require accommodation for the successful application of law enforcement by police. Successful policemen enforce laws and establish the legitimacy of the government. Combat is the job of soldiers. If the strength of the insurgency is so strong that law enforcement cannot be accomplished, then the ACP should be removed from the area and replaced with the Afghan Gendarme or the Army. The Afghan Civilian Police (ACP) should be trained and focused on law enforcement duties in the application of tribal and secular law at the regional level to build legitimacy for the Afghanistan government instead of performing paramilitary duties in support of counterinsurgency operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA521797
Entities
People
- David L. Ward
Organizations
- United States Army War College