On March 17, 2012, in a ceremony at the Haitian National Police (HNP) Academy, 11 new close protection officers received certificates certifying them to have successfully completed three weeks of training for close protection officer service. The training under the supervision of the United Nations Stabilization Mission for Haiti (MINUSTAH) involved intense assessment of the Haitian officers’ physical, driving, and firearms skills. The original class, before attrition consisted of 31 HNP officers. Of this number four of six female HNP officers successfully completed the course, a success rate of approximately 66%.

Activities prior to the awarding of certificates included demonstrations of the officers newly learned skills in protecting a dignitary in a number of different situations. During one scenario, a simulated assassination attempt by use of a handgun was presented. This was accompanied by the use of stun grenades, creating a great deal of noise and replicating an attack involving firearms, and improvised explosive devices. The newly minted close protection officers quickly responded by engaging the assailant and evacuating the dignitary.

By: Billy Young - MINUSTAH UNPol journalist.