30-year veteran appointed to Police number two spot

This country has a new Deputy Commissioner of Police. 51-year-old Renold Hadaway, who joined the police force on January 31, 1982, almost 30 years ago,{{more}} has been appointed to the number two spot in local law enforcement, effective today, November 1, 2011.

The personable Hadaway, who describes himself as a disciplinarian, expressed elation at receiving the news of his appointment.

While he acknowledged that the task ahead of him is “challenging and quite demanding”, he expressed confidence in being able to live up to expectations.

“I have always been a very hard worker and I think I am up to the task…. I have been a disciplinarian for my entire career; I am rather forthright. I try my best to get the work done, and work diligently towards achieving objectives and goals. I think that will help me in my new position,” he told SEARCHLIGHT.

Hadaway, who is the Officer-in-charge of the Special Services Unit, brings to the post of Deputy Commissioner a wealth of experience as a police officer, both here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and around the region. He worked as a peacekeeper in Grenada and Haiti, and for three years was seconded as an Instructor and Training Team Sergeant Major to the Regional Security System in Barbados.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree, with Lower Second Class Honours, from the University of Huddersfield, and has received wide-ranging training in the United States of America, Barbados, El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica.

Over the years, Hadaway has been trained in Psychological Operations, Civil Military Operations, Range Supervision, Small Arms, Anti-Terrorist Tactics, Anti-Narcotics and Anti-Riot Tactics. He is also a trained Internal Security Instructor, and has received training in Instructional methods, Leadership, Management, Critical Incident Command and Humanitarian Law.

Many of Hadaway’s years were spent at the Police Training School at Old Montrose, where he served as Instructor, lecturing in all areas of Police Duty Subjects, then as Chief Instructor and Officer-in-charge. He is of the view that his years at the Police Training School will help him in his new appointment, as they afforded him the opportunity to get to know many of the officers in the Force.

“I have worked with quite a lot of the officers; I have trained probably 50% of the officers right now,” he said.

“Additionally, having just studied law, and having worked at the Training School, I have a sound background in police duty subjects. Supported by the Law, I will be able to implement policies and strategies to take the police force forward.”

Originally from Spring Village in North Leeward, Hadaway has resided at Largo Heights, on the outskirts of Kingstown, for the last 32 years or so. He is married to Hazel-Ann Hadaway. They are the parents of two daughters: Shernell, a second year law student at the University of the West Indies and Renique, a second former at the Girls’ High School.

Hadaway replaces Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Lenroy Brewster, who has been appointed Chief of Port Police, also effective today.

Former Superintendent of Police Michael Charles has been appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police, while acting Superintendents of Police Christopher Benjamin, Carlos Sampson and Stenelia Francis have been confirmed in their positions, all effective today, Tuesday, November 1.