25 Police Recruits Graduate Following 43rd Passing Out Of Course #44
Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 9, 2020 (ZIZ News)
By: Chaïra Flanders
Twenty-five recruits of Course # 44 have successfully completed a rigorous six-month training course to join the ranks as full-fledged constables in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF).
Commandant of the Police Training Complex, Inspector Shorna Edwards presented a brief course overview where she explained that the recruits were taught Drills, Self Defense, Physical and Impact Weapons training as part of their practical training. Exams on topics such as evidence and procedure general duties and criminal law were given to the recruits to test their knowledge in theory.
During the overview the Inspector also shared that the public speaking exercise conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism and a house clearing practicum at Fort Thomas Grounds were the highlights of the training.
The course comprised 18 males and 9 females. The nationalities include 1 Haitian, 1 Guyanese, 2 Jamaicans, 5 Dominicans and 18 citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. It was revealed that although the group began with 27recruits, the Course #44 ended with 25 Constables.
During his featured address, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of National Security, Dr, Hon. Timothy Harris commended the women of Course #44 for making the decision to serve and protect. He then revealed that the number of graduating females graduating have increased by more than 20%.
<> “Of note, this year is that the number of female graduating recruits has increased by twenty-six (26) percent, from three (3) females out of a graduating class of thirty-one (31) last year to nine (9) females this year out a graduating class of twenty-five (25). So last year, women made up ten (10) percent of the graduating class, but this year they make up thirty-six (36) percent of the graduating class. More power to the female recruits,”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Osmond Petty used recent incidents of police brutality and abuse of power seen in the United States and in Trinidad and Toabgo as examples of what not to do as our officers are expected to serve and protect the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He also challenged the new officers to continue building on developing a relationship with the youth and community.
The graduation took place in the form of a closing ceremony and not the usual passing out parade. However, Prime Minister Harris advised that the Commissioner of Police has confirmed that a date to host the passing out parade for Course 44 shortly.