Williams wants more training for Cops

Chairman of Police and Public Service Commission, Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, is of the sound opinion that there should be training of officers to deal with matters of the criminal mind. He said that Police officials should not only be qualified academically, but also psychologically.

Williams made his remarks last Thursday, August 10, 2006 at the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Gazzetted Officers Retreat at the Anglican Pastoral Centre located at New Montrose.{{more}}

Held under the theme: “Equipping ourselves to Face the Challenge Ahead”, Williams highlighted some ways policemen and women can do a more effective job of handling criminal acts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He further stated that there should be a more intimate relationship with the general public on matters affecting the country. Williams made mention that throughout the Caribbean, criminals have been undermining police, and there needs to be rigorous training for policemen.

Featured Speaker, Governor-General Sir Fredrick Ballantyne, said the fact that the crime rate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not high is a great credit to the Police Force.

Sir Frederick pointed out that it is almost difficult to police persons planting and exporting marijuana. “There is inadequate security at the ports to control drug trafficking,” remarked Sir Frederick.

“Gone are the days when our young people settle their differences in a more civil manner,” said Sir Frederick. He noted that some of the violent acts committed here stem from poverty, illiteracy, and drugs among others.

The Governor-General saw it fit to share some of his solutions that might help reduce crime and violence here. He said there is a need for a highly sophisticated group of officers to deal with criminals. He also thinks that every police officer should have an educational goal that not only prepares him for the job, but also for promotion. The Governor-General said that law classes should also be available to all officers.

Sir Frederick added that he is not surprised that most of the criminals here have a secondary education and are taking up illegal activities. He said that he would really like to see officers as partners with law-abiding citizens.