Blackwater Unlikely to Face Charges

The Associated Press reports that Blackwater Worldwide, the private security contractor, is not expected to face criminal charges stemming from the firefight at Nisoor Square last September.

The seven-month-old Justice Department investigation is focused on as few as three or four Blackwater guards who could be indicted in the... shootings, according to interviews with a half-dozen people close to the investigation.... Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell said, "If it is determined that there are any individuals who need to be held accountable, we support that."

However, it appears unlikely that Blackwater, as a corporation, will be charged. "Companies are sometimes charged for the wrongdoing of their employees, but the standard is high. Prosecutors must prove that the corporation — not just the employees — intended to break the law."

In any case, "the final decision on any charges will not be made until late summer at the earliest, a law enforcement official said." So don't get too bent out of shape about rumors you hear between now and then.

Idaho Gives Blackwater Show of Support

Certain elements of the media would like to brand Blackwater and other private security contractors as pariahs. But reality tells another story. Just today the Associated Press reported that Blackwater will be entering into an agreement with the Idaho Peace Officer Standards & Training Academy (POST).

Blackwater will be entering into agreement with the state of Idaho to build a training facility, Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell told the Coeur d'Alene Press. In this agreement, Idaho POST would be a tenant. There would be other law enforcement agencies from the surrounding areas.


The complex would include an emergency vehicle operation course, shooting ranges, classrooms, dormitories for at least 80 people, a cafeteria and administration buildings, she said.

Like law enforcement agencies around the country, those in northern Idaho understand that Blackwater is a company of talented and patriotic experts in their field who can provide hard-to-find services.

"They're the Cadillac of training services," said J. Adler, national executive vice president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. "You've got the best of the best teaching."

Truth about Pay, Rules Clarified

In a letter to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Anne E. Tyrrell clarified some of the popular misconceptions that still swirl in the media about private security contractors (PSCs).

With regards to levels of financial compensation, Tyrrell writes,

When you compare military compensation -- which includes base pay plus housing, tax benefits, education assistance, bonuses, retirement benefits and other benefits -- to the compensation offered Blackwater contractors (base pay only), the two are essentially equal.

Regarding rules of engagement and accountability mechanisms , Tyrrell explains:

Blackwater operates under detailed contracts with the US government that provide intensive government oversight, direction and control. Blackwater's contracts with the US government dictate almost every aspect of operation and contract performance, including the hiring, vetting guidelines, background checks, screening, training standards, rules of force and standards of conduct.

In conclusion:

Blackwater protects US officials so the military can focus on its mission. During our 17,000 missions in Iraq, 27 of our personnel have lost their lives. However, no individual we have protected has been killed or seriously injured. We consider our responsibility to protect US government employees, members of Congress and other diplomats in Iraq to be a very important duty.... While opinions on Blackwater may differ, your readers deserve the facts.