Canadian Civilian Policing Efforts in Afghanistan

February 2008 — Canada, along with 36 other nations is in Afghanistan as part of a UN-sanctioned mission to help build a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society. Canada has deployed diplomats, development workers, troops and civilian police to help the Afghan government secure a better future for its people.

Civilian police from the RCMP and Canadian police agencies are playing an important role in the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. The following is an overview of the different areas in which Canadian civilian police are involved.

Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team, Kandahar

Canadian civilian police (CIVPOL) first deployed to the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in August 2005.

Their primary role is to monitor, advise, mentor, and train the Afghan National Police (ANP). They work closely with the Canadian Forces, the European Union (EU), the United States (via the Regional Training Centers) and other international partners.

CIVPOL officers conduct joint patrols with PRT military officers to liaise directly with the ANP at numerous police stations and checkpoints both within Kandahar City and in some of the rural districts. They also provide basic training courses in areas such as First Aid, improvised explosive device awareness, searching of suspects and police vehicle maintenance. In addition, CIVPOL have distributed much-needed equipment and uniforms to the ANP.

In 2007, an RCMP officer was assigned to the Kandahar Air Field (KAF) to act as a liaison between PRT members and KAF personnel.

Police Reform Unit, Kabul

Canadian police are also working in Kabul and Kandahar at the Police Reform Unit under the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A) and the Afghan Ministry of the Interior. CSTC-A’s objectives are to assist the Afghan National Security Forces, including the ANP, in becoming self-sustaining to the point where they are able to strengthen the rule of law and deter and defeat terrorism.

In Kabul, Canadian police have assisted in providing logistical and training support to ANP guarding the Kabul City gates, they have implemented projects to upgrade ANP police stations and check-points in Kabul and surrounding areas and have coordinated the development and training of the Afghanistan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP). The one officer working in Kandahar is monitoring the standards used by the Police Mentoring Teams who are training the ANP under the new Focused District Development program.

European Union Police Mission (EUPOL)

Canadian police under the EUPOL mission are working in Kandahar and Kabul as mentors, trainers and advisors on a number of policing issues. They are building on current efforts to create a professional and functional Afghan National Police force that respects human rights and operates within the framework of the rule of law.

Senior Police Advisor (SPA)

A senior police advisor is at the Canadian embassy in Kabul, to report on and assist in coordinating the work and operations of the various organizations working on policing issues in Afghanistan.

See also: Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan (Government of Canada)