Samuel’s Police Public speaking champion

08.June.07

Constable Corlene Samuel is the new Police Public Speaking champion for 2007.

Speaking on the Police week 2007 theme “Building and strengthening our unity with society”, Samuel, who represented the Eastern Division and was consistent in both prepared and impromptu speeches, made light work of her seven colleagues to walk away with the coveted title.{{more}}

Coming in behind Samuel was Constable Angela Byron, third was Constable Thecla Andrews from the Special Branch and fourth was Constable St Clair Horne representing the Fire Department.

Samuel made it clear from the beginning that there must be a strong linkage between the public and police to help foster unity. She mentioned that there is a negative perception portrayed by the public towards the police and it is a cause for great concern.

She said that the public was quick to point out abuse of power, brutality and arrogance by the police. “The police force is very much a reflection of our society.”

Samuel gave powerful suggestions to build a stronger relationship with society. She said that the force should exercise transparency, and noted that there are sometimes doubts in the public in relation to the police investigation on certain matters. She recommended a Special Investigations Unit be introduced to include the public, lawyers and police.

She was of the view that more visits should be done to schools around the nation, “We must not wait until were are called to do these things, we must help to establish a cordial relationship with the students.

Constable Byron, who was adjudged to have the best prepared speech said police cannot operate as peacemakers and problems solvers by themselves but must develop a trust between the public to develop firm solutions to curb crime. Byron mentioned that sometimes the public loses trust in the police when they see criminals given more civil rights than victims.

Senior police officials showered high praises on the participants for their in-depth research on the topic.

The other competitors were Juliana Browne, Damien Ash, Juliana Parris and Douglas Caesar.