Police officers benefit from RSS five-day workshop

More than 18 police officers from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), from the ranks of Superintendent to Corporal, were awarded with certificates on Friday, June 26, after successfully completing a five-day workshop put on by the Regional Security System (RSS).{{more}}

The Recruit Syllabus Orientation Workshop commenced on Monday, July 22, at the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Training School at Old Montrose, under the theme: “Strength Through Unity”.

Speaking at the closing, lead facilitator Gerard Phillips said the Recruit Training Syllabus provides training that fosters the development of essential competencies needed to develop the human resource factor in the RSVGPF and other RSS member states.

Phillips said during the week-long workshop the participants were engaged in discourse on teaching strategies, which he said is to be used to effectively deliver the syllabus and its contents.

Participants were also exposed to various learning methods and interactive discussions.

“The RSS is cognisant of the fact that for firm implementation of the syllabus, instructors must be fully apprised of the specific objectives to be delivered, as well as the depth of the content,” he said.

Phillips expressed his concern about the way the syllabus is delivered.

“We are particularly concerned that that the syllabus is not delivered in the traditional, didactic, mundane way, but that recruits will be enthused to get involved and methodologies for delivery will not only be in keeping with modern learning and teaching standards, but to be creative, innovative, interactive and dynamic,” Phillips said.

Director of Training of the RSS ACP Yvonne Alexander said they can’t continue to utilise 20th century methodology in their approach to training of law enforcement personnel, in particular, new entrants.

“While parts of the syllabus is familiar, it required instructors to obtain working knowledge of sound and non-traditional methods…,” Alexander said.

She added that she looks forward to improved attitudes and behaviour in the performance of police officers as a result of the content and teaching of the syllabus.

Alexander urged the instructors to improve themselves and told them that it is their responsibility, not only as law enforcement officers, but as instructors.

Also on hand to share brief remarks was Acting Commissioner of Police Michael Charles.

Charles said the RSVGPF is committed to the process of ensuring that the training they deliver to their recruits is on par with the rest of the region.

“It is imperative as a member state of the RSS we join forces with our counterparts to ensure we execute a serious programme straight across the board, which seeks to empower recruits in the most efficient ways to prevent and mitigate criminal activity,” Charles said.

ASP Jonathan Nichols also gave brief remarks and Corporal Garvie Thomas delivered the vote of thanks.