COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ORDER NUMBER 28
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IRAQI CIVIL DEFENSE CORPS
Pursuant to my authority as head of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), under the laws and usages of war, and consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1483(2003),
Noting that Resolution 1483 appeals to Member States to assist the people of Iraq in their efforts to reform their institutions, rebuild their country, and to contribute to conditions of stability and security in Iraq,
Understanding the need to address promptly threats to public security and stability resulting from wrongful acts or disasters,
Recognizing that continued attacks and acts of sabotage by Ba`athist remnants and terrorists intent on undermining security in Iraq necessitate the temporary establishment of an Iraqi constabulary force to operate with Coalition Forces to counter the threat and maintain security in Iraq,
I hereby promulgate the following:
Section 1
Establishment of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps
1) The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is established as a temporary institution, subject to a decision by an internationally recognized, representative government, established by the people of Iraq, to continue or disband the Corps.
2) The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is a security and emergency service agency for Iraq. The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is composed of Iraqis who will complement operations conducted by Coalition military forces in Iraq to counter organized groups and individuals employing violence against the people of Iraq and their national infrastructure.
3) In support of Coalition operations to provide security and stability to the people of Iraq, the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is authorized to perform constabulary duties, including the following tasks: patrolling urban and rural areas; conducting operations to search for and seize illegal weapons and other contraband; providing fixed site, check point, area, route and convoy security; providing crowd and riot control; disaster response services; search and rescue services; providing support to humanitarian missions and disaster recover operations including transportation services; conducting joint patrols with Coalition Forces; and, participating in other
CPA/ORD/3 September 2003/28
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activities designed to build positive relationships between the Iraqi people and
Coalition authorities including serving as community liaisons.
4) The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is distinct from the Iraqi police force and the New Iraqi Army. The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps will complement the police force, but will be designed to perform operations that exceed the capacity of the police.
a) While on duty and under the supervision of Coalition Forces, members of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps will not be subject to the direction or control of the Iraqi Police. Except as provided herein, the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps will not have, or exercise, domestic law enforcement functions.
b) The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is not a component of the New Iraqi Army
established by CPA Order 22, Creation of a New Iraqi Army (CPA/ORD/9 August
2003/22) and is not subject to the orders of the New Iraqi Army chain of
command.
Section 2
Organization of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps
1) The Iraqi Civil Defense Corps shall consist of active members in full-time
employment, and may also include reserve members whose service will be governed
by Administrative Instructions issued pursuant to this Order.
2) All Iraqis who meet the professional criteria established by applicable Administrative Instructions are eligible for selection to the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, provided that no person involved in Ba’ath Party activity within the leadership tiers described in CPA Order Number 1, De-Ba`athification of Iraqi Society (CPA/ORD/16 May 2003/1) shall be eligible except by express decision of the CPA to grant such an exception.
3) Service in the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps is voluntary. Volunteers for service in the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps will be required to serve for a period of 12 months subject to a decision either by the CPA or by an internationally recognized, representative government, established by the people of Iraq, to discontinue the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps. No term of service may be extended without the consent of the member of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps except in the case of a national emergency proclaimed pursuant to law.