THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Camp Cropper Internment Facility in West Baghdad

A detainee smokes a cigarette and drinks a cup of hot chai tea at Camp Cropper, a coalition forces Theater Internment Facility in western Baghdad. Eventually all detainees will be turned over to the Iraqi Government. Based on the reason for their detainment, some will be tried in Iraqi court and—if convicted—sentenced to Iraqi jails. Many will be reintegrated and released back into Iraqi society. Others who remain a long-term security threat will be continually reviewed to determine their status over time. (Department of Defense photo/U.S. Army Spc. Michael V. May)

Detainees take advantage of a warm day to clean out their living quarters, and wash and dry laundry at Camp Cropper, a coalition forces Theater Internment Facility in western Baghdad. More than 3,000 detainees are in the care and custody of coalition forces at the Camp Cropper Theater Internment Facility in western Baghdad. Since Oct. 2007, the number of releases has steadily increased and is now double the amount of intakes on a daily basis. That said, there is no “release target.” Releases will continue to focus on internees no longer considered a threat to security and stability. (Department of Defense photo/U.S. Army Spc. Michael V. May)

Detainees socialize, dry their laundry and read the Qur'an inside a compound at Camp Cropper, a coalition forces Theater Internment Facility in western Baghdad. More than 3,000 detainees are in the care and custody of coalition forces at the Camp Cropper Theater Internment Facility in western Baghdad. Coalition forces are dedicated to providing the highest standards of detention care and custody while supporting the efforts of the United Nations Security Council and the Government of Iraq to maintain stability and security in the region. (Department of Defense photo/U.S. Army Spc. Michael V. May)

A detainee takes detainee uniforms treated with permithin off a clothes line while participating in the detainee work program at Camp Cropper. Task Force 134 personnel seek to mitigate the identified motivations by engaging detainees with basic education, work programs and theological discussion led by Iraqi Imams. More than 3,000 detainees are in the care and custody of coalition forces at the Camp Cropper Theater Internment Facility in western Baghdad. (Department of Defense photo/U.S. Army Spc. Michael V. May)

A detainee discusses his detention with the Multi-National Force Review Committee (MNFRC) board at the coalition forces Theater Internment Facility in western Baghdad. The basis for their detention is discussed with each detainee so they are fully aware of why they are being detained. The detainee’s conduct in detention is also reviewed and discussed. Finally, the detainee has an opportunity to make remarks expressing his view of detainment and potential for release. The board will make a recommendation to continue to hold or to release the detainee based upon whether or not the detainee is determined to be a continued imperative threat to coalition forces. (Department of Defense photo/U.S. Army Spc. Michael V. May)

A detainee's family member visits with him during one of the daily family visits held at the coalition forces Theater Interment Facility in western Baghdad. The visiting family members are allowed time to touch their detained family member prior to entering the glassed visitation booths. TF-134 works to strengthen family relationships throughout the detention process. Immediately upon arrival each detainee has the opportunity to place a call and let his family know that he is safe. (Department of Defense photo/U.S. Army Spc. Michael V. May)

An Iraqi correctional officer (ICO) patrols inside a compound at Camp Cropper, a coalition forces Theater Internment Facility (TIF) in western Baghdad. More than 1,700 ICOs currently are at work inside Camp Cropper and Camp Bucca. They are trained by the Government of Iraq (GoI) and work alongside the coalition guard force in preparation for the eventual turnover of detainee operations to the GoI. (Department of Defense photo/U.S. Army Spc. Michael V. May)