A Saskatoon Police officer is hoping to bring a new perspective to her job now that she is back from being deployed in Iraq for a year to help train Iraqi officers. Sgt. Erin Coates was the first female Canadian police officer to be deployed to Iraq. She says one of the most rewarding experiences for her was helping to implement a female policing course, which included leadership development, human rights and benefits of a gender perspective in policing operations. Coates was part of a team of officers from Canada, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Finland. The primary focus of the Canadian police instructors is community policing, which includes enhancement of negotiation and de-escalation skills, patrolling and crime scene investigations. Coates knew before arriving in Iraq what to expect culturally because she had traveled to the Middle East in 2008. She knew the culture was very family oriented and welcoming. Coates experienced that with her students and felt like she was adopted into their families. Before Coates left, she was working in the Saskatoon Police Service sex crimes unit and next week she will return as a patrol officer. Today (Fri) is National Peacekeepers’ Day – which gives a nod to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, provincial, regional and municipal police services and members of the diplomatic corps and civilians who work with peace and security operations.