Fifty-one new police officers have been recruited into the Dominica Police Force. The recruits graduated for the 35th Recruit Training Course after a six-month training and they graduated at a passing out parade (POP) at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on March 30, 2022.
The induction of 51 new police officers into the DPF is the largest ever recorded in the history of the police service in Dominica. The graduands comprised 38 males and 13 females and they were praised by Chief Police Instructor, acting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Clem Bruno, for their doggedness at passing the rigorous trainings.
Bruno said a total of 53 recruits initially turned up for training, but they were reduced to 51 after some dropped out due to inability to cope with the training or based on medical grounds. He said the training involved physical and theoretical skills, and that the trainees also underwent two additional courses for the first time; they obtained a Financial Investigation Asset Recovery certificate and a Scenes of Crime First Responders certificate.
Many of the trainees took part in fire hazard trainings so that they can help fire officers in any fire incident situation; and some took part in seamanship so that they can be attached to the Marine Unit of the police force. At the graduation, several students were awarded certificates in several areas of testings.
Representing Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit as the Acting PM, Health Minister Irving McIntyre urged the graduands to work assiduously for the security and development of Dominica. He also added that recruiting the new police officers is indicative of the government’s willingness to employ determined youths for economic emancipation across the country.
Your presence here is indicative that you have met the criteria set for graduation and you are mentally and physically prepared to face the world of work as a member of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. This occasion is another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the creation of jobs and training opportunities for all citizens and more specifically our young men and women.
Hon. Irving McIntyre, Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Health
The Minister for National Security and Home Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore, also commended the police graduates for stepping forward to serve their fatherland. He noted that even though 26 of the recruits contracted COVID-19 during their training, they remained resolute to succeed and they eventually overcame their illness. He advised them all to be patriotic and to respect the rights of the people they are called to serve.
All of you standing here before me have responded with the highest honour to the call to serve this beautiful country of Dominica. You are joining the police service at a time of several reforms. You are therefore expected to show virtues such as respect for others, compassion and honesty as well as compliance to the rule of law, and above all courage. This is the hallmark of a reformed police officer.
Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security and Home Affairs
Police Chief Daniel Carbon also enjoined the new police recruits to build mutual relationships with people in their communities to succeed at effective policing. He tasked them to interact meaningfully with people at schools, religious centres, youth clubs, and everywhere to be impactful.
I exhort you to return to the various communities from where you came and build partnerships with the people in these communities. You must do so by visiting the schools and participating in the activities. Be involved in PTA meetings and serve as active members. Speak to your community leaders and church leaders. Build a good rapport with them. Foster good relationships with sports clubs and youth groups in the communities. Work with farmers and fisherfolks and establish healthy relationships with them. This will assist you tremendously in the work that you do as law enforcement officers.
Daniel Carbon, Police Chief
This article is copyright © 2022 DOM767
