RAMALLAH, October 20, 2010 (WAFA)- The Palestinian Special Police Force (SPF) has successfully delivered a Tonfa training course to 37 new SPF recruits, according to a press release by EUPOL-COPPS, issued, today.

 The training was organized under the direction and supervision of the Head of the SPF Central Force in Ramallah, Mj. Ismael HANEYSHA. The training included a written test on the pedagogical and technical aspects of the Tonfa as well as with a practical exam on tactics learned.

The SPF is the main anti-riot and crowd control section within the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP). It consists of 1300 officers deployed in 9 units throughout all the West Bank. The aim of the SPF is to train all its members on the handling of this international police public order tool. The training course was combined with the first refresher course for SPF trainers on this side handle baton.

EUPOL COPPS support to the SPF has included the refurbishment of 6 SPF premises as well as equipping this force with 900 kits for public order, 258 lockers, laminated city maps and other training equipment. In 2009 the European Commission donated 36 Volkswagen Crafter vehicles to it.

EUPOL COPPS Specialist Police Adviser Jean Frederic MARTIN, who has been supporting SPF since 2008, affirmed that “This unit is an extraordinary example of the progressive evolution of a Special Force that is able to face all different scenarios of all public order situations according the international standards and thanks to the professionalism and commitment of its members”.