Our team in Baghdad sent us these photos of the latest graduating class of Iraqi police cadets - over 500 of them, all set to become members of the  Iraqi Federal police.

The press corps along with American and Iraqi dignitaries were treated to a display of hostage rescue exercises, martial arts demonstrations, and crowd control techniques.

Iraqi federal police in riot gear

Our correspondent in Baghdad, Ben Wedeman, reports that while the multinational forces have put much  effort and resources into building up Iraqi's security apparatus, there is still real  concern about Iraqi force's human rights record.

A recent Amnesty International report estimated that more than thirty-thousand Iraqis are being held without trial and that torture is widespread.

Iraqi federal police showing off their martial arts skills

The Italian trainers of these Iraqi police say human rights awareness was a major component of the cadet's education and they think the formal training will make a difference.

"They taught us not to beat citizens" said newly minted officer Ali Abid.

A lesson that everyone hopes will not soon be forgotten.

Posted by: IME blog producer
Filed under: Iraq •Pictures