Police undergo bike training

Traffic cops are being encouraged to expand the horizon of their policing perception so that they will not see themselves as simple upholders of the traffic regulations.{{more}}

This encouragement came from Deputy Commissioner of Police Bertie Pompey who said that police officers must adapt to this continually changing world.

“It must be appreciated that this is a continually changing world. the police…must be responsive to these changes. We have to always look beyond the beam of the head lights and challenge ourselves to find innovative, efficient and effective ways to serve the public,” Pompey said.

Pompey was speaking at the opening of a two-day Yamaha Riding academy last Wednesday, August 27, at the Old Montrose Police Station.

He also noted that it has been said that the first impression that visitors get about the lawfulness of a people is gleaned by how they obey traffic regulations.

Nineteen police officers attached to the Traffic branch of the Police force were trained by Yoshiaki Kato, of Yamaha, in, among other things, better awareness of safe riding, the proper care of the motorcycles and how to identify and avoid dangerous situations while riding.

As he expressed thanks to the Yamaha representatives and their local agent, businessman Keith Howard, for bring the course to St Vincent, Head of the traffic branch, Superintendent of Police Bertram Cumberbatch, said that training is an integral part of the police organization.

He said no matter what discipline is being considered, training is crucial to advancement.

Keith Howard said that the course had been in the works for many months, and expressed his pleasure in having the course held in St Vincent.

He noted that the travelling and upkeep of the three Yamaha representatives that came to conduct the training, which is estimated at $50,000, was borne by the Japanese company.

“The quality of your riding will improve,” Howard told the police officers gathered at the Old Montrose Police Station for the opening ceremony.

Representatives from Jamaica and Antigua were on hand to observe the running of the training academy, with a view to having a similar programme in their countries.

A similar training programme was held in St Lucia last year. (KJ)