Iraqi Police Development Program: Opportunities for Improved Program Accountability and Budget Transparency

On October 1, 2011, the Department of Defense DoD transferred responsibility for managing the continuing training of the Iraqi police to the Department of State DoS. DoS is executing this effort through its new Iraqi Police Development Program PDP, which seeks to assist the Government of Iraq GOI in strengthening police forces capabilities so that they can better maintain internal security. DoSs Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs INL has the management lead and will provide advisors to mentor, advise, and train senior Iraqi police personnel. In this audit, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction SIGIR examined whether DoSINL has a plan for the program that possesses sound requirements and cost estimates, and whether DoS identified the funds and other resources that the GOI will contribute to the program, as required by law. We also examined related issues, such as security and overhead, that could affect program operations and costs. SIGIR makes three recommendations to the Secretary of State that highlight the need for the following 1 an adequate current assessment of the Iraqi police forces, 2 a more comprehensive and detailed program plan, and 3 a written agreement with the GOI ensuring its financial participation and agreement with the programs scope. SIGIR believes that, before additional funds are committed to the program, the Congress might consider requiring DoS to provide detailed data on the following 1 projected program costs, 2 existing funds available to meet FY 2012 operational costs, and 3 expected GOI contributions. The DoS agrees with SIGIRs recommendations and notes that this report will aid in strengthening operational systems and controls for the PDP. Other DoS comments are addressed in the report as appropriate.