Cpl. Bob Hart of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police gives a warm winter jacket to a member of the Afghanistan National Police. The jackets were purchased by the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team to better equip the ANP and allow them to portray a more professional look.

Photo: Sgt. Jerry Kean, DND

The Afghanistan National Police (ANP) is working hard to bring security to cities and rural areas. Kandahar ANP has checkpoints throughout the province and special investigators have attended scenes ranging from traffic accidents to suicide bombers. Coalition forces are accompanied by ANP members who contribute their local knowledge of the people and the ground to make every mission a success.

Individual members bring willpower and dedication but even the toughest and longest-serving among them find it hard to conduct patrols, checkpoints and investigations without boots or warm clothes - especially as the weather grows cold and wet. Enter the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). In addition to providing supplemental and refresher training to the ANP, the Canadian police mission is procuring boots, winter jackets, gloves, reflective vests and flashlights for distribution.

Equipment conforming to national standards for dress not only keeps police warm, but also gives a professional, uniform appearance the public can easily recognize. Professionalism comes from having pride in one's job, training and experience; but it also requires an identity. The PRT is assisting in promoting all of these qualities.

Station by station, the ANP is delivering the equipment directly to the front-line police who need it most. As time goes on, the police will be more recognisable and more effective as they shift their concern from being cold and uncomfortable to concentrating on keeping the public safe.