Rice orders increased oversight of security contractors in Iraq
By Lewis Harper
24 October 2007
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has ordered the immediate implementation of several measures to increase oversight of private security contractors in Iraq.
Rice has acted on the recommendations of an independent panel that was set up following the death of 17 Iraqi civilians during a shootout involving a private security contractor in mid-September.
A newly established Joint Incident Review Board will have the power to refer such incidents to the Department of Justice.
Furthermore, contractors will be required to work closely with the military in developing common operating procedures, their employees will now undertake cultural awareness and sensitivity training, and a Department of State security officer will accompany private security personnel on all motorcade movements.
The measures also include the tightening of ground rules for the use of deadly force, the use of Arabic language staff as part of convoys and the installation of video and radio recording equipment in all security vehicles. © 2007 Jane's Information Group