On Friday, August 19, 61 police officers from the Special Services Unit (SSU), Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Narcotics Unit and Coastguard were presented with certificates after successfully completing the “Operation Procedural Course #01 of 2011”.{{more}}

At the closing ceremony, held at the Old Montrose Police Station, Coordinator for the course Assistant Superintendent Willisford Caesar gave an overview of the program, which ran in two phases: from August 8 -12 and August 15 – 19.

Caesar outlined that a wide variety of topics was taught during the course including: powers of arrest, counterfeit notes, human trafficking, investigative techniques, handling exhibits, statement taking, report writing, search, evidence, humanitarian law and traffic regulation.

He noted that without a doubt the topics were important for the continued development of police officers and operational officers to be versed in regular policing areas in the event of a transfer, detachment or special duty.

According to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) head, the objective of the course was to remove the concept that operational officers are only there to arrest and charge for drugs or firearms. Instead, Caesar said operational officers can charge for theft, assault, conduct searches, and in the end, present a case file that is comprehensive and of a standard suitable for court.

“We have realised that a lot of officers are able to submit and adequately compile a case file, but will fault tremendously in court through presentation of their evidence…,’ Caesar highlighted.

It is his hope that the participants would appreciate the course and persons take what they have learned and apply it.

Also on hand to give a few remarks, Police Commissioner Keith Miller lauded the efforts of Caesar for putting together such a program. Miller said it was important for every member of the operational unit to be given the opportunity to sharpen up in areas of how to make an arrest. “Even in executing an arrest, it is necessary for you to be reminded of your use of force,” he stated.

Stating that evidence is always critical in any case, Miller said it does not make sense for police to do a “good piece” of work in the field and not being able to present that evidence in court.

“We believe that we have to be constantly reminding you of the correct thing. With training like this and our procedural guidelines, our policemen will be in a better position to respond better to reports…,” Miller said.

“When you leave your respective departments and move into an out station, you would not be going across as a rookie, but you will be taking some investigative experience with you,” said Miller.

Some of the lecturers and persons who helped with the program were also recognised for their participation.(KW)