Vincentian ASP Blake is Valedictorian of the 2011 RSS Course

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), 24-year-old Kamecia Blake, is the 2011 Regional Security System (RSS) Staff and Command Course valedictorian.{{more}}

Blake, the youngest ever ASP in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, and the first ever forensic psychologist, triumphed over 18 other participants from seven different countries.

The course was held at the Savannah Hotel, in Barbados and ran from November 6 to December 3.

With an average of 85.1, Blake was adjudged the most outstanding student, followed by Inspector Luke DeFreitas of St Lucia who had an average of 81.5. Blake placed second in her research paper entitled ‘Does the rehabilitative framework at Her Majesty’s Prison influence recidivism?’

She also debated for her syndicate, which was victorious as they debated the topic ‘The RSS Defence Forces are no longer relevant in the present security climate’.

Some of the areas covered during the course included: Humanitarian law, human rights, counter terrorism, management, staff and command and operations.

In a telephone interview with Blake earlier this week, she expressed how overwhelmed she was to have represented the local constabulary, her family and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I am really excited that I had the opportunity to represent this country at the course. I was able to highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses of our system such as procedure and policies…,” Blake said.

The ASP said she also stressed the need to amend obsolete policies and procedures and implement policies that cater for modern crimes.

In her valedictory speech at the course’s close, Blake underscored the need for the law enforcement officers to continue to network, as the criminals are also networking. Blake said Caribbean islands continue to grapple with the increase in crime. Therefore, the need to share resources is imperative in light of the marginal territorial boundaries.

It is Blake’s hope that the avenues are available to transfer her knowledge to other law enforcement officers, and she noted that the areas covered in the course are pertinent to the strategic development of any organization.

Also representing this country were, Superintendent Frankie Joseph, who placed 5th overall in the course, Senior Immigration Officer Pedrico Harry, Chief Prison Officer Brian Andrews, and Bernard Dick, Supervisor of Customs.

The course was financed by the Canadian High Commission and is in its third year of operation.