Thousands of Iraq police hurt since 2004 (over 12,000 police casualties)

[Barrett808]

Thousands of Iraq police hurt since 2004
By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - About 4,000 Iraqi police have been killed and more than 8,000 injured since September 2004, the U.S. commander in charge of the police training said Friday.

Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Peterson also said that it is hard to tell how many militia members have infiltrated the police forces, but said Iraqi officials are trying to weed them out.

"I have no idea what the number is," said Peterson, commander of the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team in Iraq. "Certainly if we ask the question, they won't respond that they are associated with any militia. ... It's something we continue to look for. We do ask the question."

Noting the more than 12,000 police casualties, he said there are many police who are loyal to the country and "they've paid a great price."

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061006/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq