24 police officers better trained as crime scene first responders

Twenty-four police officers are now better trained as first responders to crime scenes.This comes following a four-day Regional Security Services training course that ended last Friday.{{more}}

The successful officers were also presented with certificates at a ceremony at the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) headquarters.

First responders are the caretakers and decision makers on a scene. Their execution of duty directly affects the robust prosecution of matters before the court.

One of the facilitators of the workshop, Commander Tyrone James, speaking at the closing ceremony, said that throughout the region police officers are attaining higher education, but there are not many who pursue courses steeped in the core police roles and duties.

He, however, said he is proud that within the region, there are experts in crime scene management and processing.

The commander further explained that the objective of the course was essentially to develop the capacity of first responders to secure, preserve, maintain and hand over the crime scene to investigators.

“The many times we look at the television, sometimes what we [are] seeing could be right, but a lot of times, it’s not as correct as we would hope and sometimes, the timeline between when things are done. it’s quite erroneous.

“A television programme lasts for half an hour and a crime is committed and solved within that period of time. So, sometimes we have to be careful of what my good friend Bastion calls the CSI effect,” James said.

The course also provided first responders with knowledge of post scene attendance duties and responsibilities.

“It is critical and as someone said, the end starts at the beginning.

“So, to have effective post scene account completed, you have to ensure that you make the necessary notes, … ensure you identify the witnesses, identify the physical evidence and we even went through the whole process of blatant evidence.

“So, to ensure that we have a successful completion of any case, we must ensure that we start properly. And essentially, that’s what this course is all about,” he added.

Corporal 776 Mark Billy achieved the highest mark — 84.67 per cent, while Sergeant Dwayne Bailey was second with 84.5 per cent.

Commissioner of Police, Keith Miller, who also addressed the ceremony, commended the officers for successfully completing the course. He, however, noted that it is important that they apply what they learn.

“… you have to show us from here on that the few days you spent in this classroom were well spent.

“And how can you do that? By moving to a crime scene and become more disciplined, become more patient, become more responsible, and become more professional in your approach at the crime scene,” Miller stated.

He advised the officers that a crime scene is not like a “rush job.”

“It calls for dedication.,” he said, adding that some determinations will have to be made even before arrival at a crime scene.

The other facilitators of the course were Inspector Roderic Walcott of Barbados, Sergeant Alonzo Carty of St Kitts, Corporal Marcus Bastien of St Lucia, Station Sergeant Hesran Ballantyne and Sergeant Atland Browne of St Vincent. (AA)