The European Commission Representative, Mr. Christian Berger, today handed over the keys of 36 vans to the Deputy Chief of the Palestinian Civilian Police (“PCP”), Brig. Jehad Al Musaimy, part of an EU grant of equipment to the Palestinian Civilian Police worth a total of €5 million.

The 36 VW Crafter vans were handed over at a ceremony at the Guards and Protection Unit Compound in Ramallah, and will be delivered to the stations of the Palestinian Public Order (“PO”) Police in the West Bank. They are the first consignment of vehicles delivered under the grant, which covers three types of police vehicles and a radio communications tower.

The donation is in line with the Palestinian Civil Police Development Plan and the specifications elaborated by the PCP for their vehicle fleet strategy. By improving the PO Police’s capacity to travel quickly and safely to public disturbances, the vans will assist the PCP in maintaining order in the West Bank in line with international standards.

At today’s ceremony, Christian Berger and Brig. Jehad Al Musaimy were joined by the Head of Mission of EUPOL COPPS, Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan. All three spoke briefly before a short demonstration of the vehicles by PO officers. 
Mr. Berger remarked that, "the Palestinian Civil Police has shown itself to be an increasingly professional police force, able to serve the community in difficult circumstances.

The EU is and will continue to support the Palestinian police in building an effective police force able to uphold the rule of law, one of the cornerstones of a democratic society, and deliver a high quality service to the Palestinian people."  Brigadier Al Musaimy added: “These vehicles will greatly improve our ability to deliver public order services to Palestinians throughout the West Bank.

They move the development process for the Palestinian Civilian Police another important step forward.” Each specially designed and equipped van carries up to 12 police officers and a driver, who does not need a special license. The vans also have significant storage space in the rear, accommodating the public order equipment (riot shields, protective gear, etc) issued to each officer.

Their custom-made seating and high roofs also facilitate ease and speed of access by Public Order officers. 
The donation includes three years of routine maintenance. All equipment has been procured through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).