Internal Security Forces Graduate Second Class from Community Policing Training Program

On May 20, 2010, the second class of 49 Internal Security Forces (ISF) cadets and officers graduating from the newly developed Community Policing training class. As part of its $104-million law enforcement assistance program administered by the Department of State's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement bureau, the United States government in partnership with the ISF, the United States has pledged to train 300 ISF officers from the Tripoli area in community policing techniques.

The Community Policing course is an eight-week, state-of-the-art training program taught by U.S. and Lebanese police instructors with the assistance of legal professionals. ISF officers learn the latest policing, law enforcement and community relations skills -- and how to implement them effectively in on-the-job situations.

The community policing model promotes the development of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the individuals and organizations they serve, in order to develop solutions to problems and increase trust in the police. Community policing puts emphasis on tackling the underlying causes of crime by addressing problems at the local level. These techniques have successfully reduced crime and increased trust and confidence in the police in numerous communities in the United States and Europe.

The United States law enforcement assistance program in Lebanon is designed to support Lebanese law enforcement sector reform by strengthening the capacity of the Internal Security Forces to enforce the rule of law in Lebanon and to protect the Lebanese people.