February represents a series of important dates in the history of Iran and at the same time there are rumors filtering out of the country concerning splits within the ranks of the Iranian Police

While exact numbers have not been secured, Fox News is reporting that sources within Tehran are reporting that 20 to 30 percent of the police force are being let go. That equates to roughly 5,000 officers and more that have been dismissed throughout the country.

Meanwhile the offers that have been let go are being replaced by 700 to 900 civilians during times of protests and those numbers falling during times of peace.

A former police officer told NewsCore that the police are bring replaced by village people who desperately need money and would violence without hesitations.

Forces are typically under the control of the Revolutionary Guard, and they are responsible for keeping local peace. Now sources report that they will be much less organized and possibly have much less control.

One former officer was reported saying, "Many of us are being replaced by bus loads of people from villages who are willing to do anything for a piece of bread instead of protecting the ideas of the 1979 Islamic Revolution."

Another officer noted that these people do not have loyalty to the current regime, while they consider themselves police all they really want is to get paid, the officer went on to say, "there is no loyal or noble or ideological intention."

A third former-officer described an encounter with a new recruit who needed a ride to the bus station and some money to get home. Still, the recruit bragged about how much he made for his services and spoke of hope to come back again. The solider talked about how his father was a martyr in Iraq and that he had died for this.

The former officer went on to say, "I don't agree with the protesters, I have faith in the Republic. But I also don't agree wiht violence against them."

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced plans to save about $100 billion by cutting subsidies on petrol, electricity, milk, wheat and other basics, the plan was approved last week by the Guardians Council.

February represents a number of historic events:

February 4: 40 days after the Dec. 27 holy day of Ashura, which saw extensive street protests and violence

February 11: 31st anniversary of the Iranian Revolution

February 15: Commenmorations of the demise of the prophet Muhammad and the martyrdom of his grandson Hasan ibn Ali.

Between the historical events and the moves by President Ahmadinejad there is an elevated risk for widespread unrest and violence.