Searching for ways to convey law enforcement professionalism to the Iraqi
police, Marine MP Company C in Camp Al Asad, Iraq, developed a costumed
mascot, "Farid the Crime-Fighting Falcon" (patterned after the famous "take a
bite out of crime" dog, McGruff, but using an animal they believe the Iraqis
better respect). Cpl. Justin Weber has the easy job, putting on the falcon
suit; his comrades have the more difficult task of explaining to their classes
just how Farid fits into effective law enforcement. [Marine Corps News,
8-28-04]