The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officially detailed the framework of its comprehensive 2026-2030 police reform strategy on Sunday. The multi-year initiative focuses on building public trust, professionalizing law enforcement, and establishing service-oriented policing standards across the region.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani highlighted that societal dignity and personal freedom depend on strong, modern internal security institutions. Consequently, government planners introduced the Blue Concept model to prioritize integrity, respect, and the protection of civil rights.
The broad reform effort shifts traditional law enforcement practices toward citizen-centered security models across all regional administrative areas. Furthermore, the initiative directly aligns with broader administrative modernization efforts launched under the KRG’s Ninth Cabinet.
To build sustainable internal capabilities, local authorities partnered with the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq. Specifically, European advisors trained 35 local master trainers in service-oriented policing methods and international legal standards.
These specialized instructors have since delivered professional development programs to more than 10,000 active police personnel. In addition, Interior Minister Reber Ahmed presented the Pin of Trust award to officers who completed targeted leadership courses.
Government authorities launched practical pilot projects at four municipal police stations to evaluate the new standards. Officials selected facilities in Kasnazan, Saiwan, Nizarke, and Halabja to test operational changes before a nationwide rollout.
European Union advisors and local reform committee members inspected all four pilot locations between August 23 and 26. During the visits, delegation teams gathered operational feedback from senior station commanders to improve daily administrative procedures.
Advisory mission leaders emphasized that Kurdish authorities retain full institutional ownership of the reform process. Moreover, international partners will continue providing technical support independently of broader military coalition movements through at least late 2028.
Two high-level reform committees continue evaluating executive decision-making, station organization, and overall institutional efficiency. Consequently, senior ministry officials met on August 18 to finalize long-term implementation plans and operational objectives.
The KRG police reform strategy will modernize internal security structures across the region. Moving forward, authorities will expand successful pilot projects to establish a more accountable, professional, and trusted police force.