57 graduate at 32nd Police Passing Out Parade

After officially becoming a police officer on Thursday, March 27, Constable 894 Javid Jones, wants to add the title of forensic scientist to his list of accomplishments.{{more}}

At the 32nd Passing Out Parade of recruits at the Old Montrose Police Training School, the 22-year-old Cedars resident was adjudged best recruit and best at police duty subjects.

In addition, Jones was awarded the Dr Cecil Cyrus Trophy and the Baton of Honour and Commissioner’s Trophy, which were respectively presented to Jones by Dr Cyrus and Commissioner of Police Michael Charles.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT shortly after the parade came to a close, Jones said he was always interested in law enforcement since he was a young boy.

The former New Grounds Primary School, St Vincent Grammar School and St Vincent Community College student said very soon, he wants to pursue undergraduate studies in forensic science and return to St Vincent and the Grenadines to improve the forensic department here.

“I have always been interested in science… My father was a science teacher and because of that, he got me interested in the field,” said the son of Frank Jones, former headmaster of the St Vincent Grammar School and Molly Maraj.

Asked about winning the awards, Jones replied: “It feels very good. At first, I didn’t really expect that I would have reached this far, but I put in a lot of hard work and it paid off.”

He described the training as “rough” at first, especially with waking up very early on mornings.

“After you get accustomed to it, it became easier… I really enjoyed the classes we had and I would encourage any young person, if they are eligible, to apply and join the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, because it is a good job and a good cause,” he stated.

Delivering welcome remarks and the first part of the Commandant’s address, Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Nicholls said he is confident that the 57 new recruits have been equipped with the basic requisite knowledge and skills to assist them in becoming effective police officers.

He said the training school has obtained its objective in producing quality junior police officers.

He said training for the recruits was conducted over a seven-month period and included six weeks of on the job training, where the recruits were attached to the sea ports and beat and patrol.

The young officers were trained in several subject areas including: history and role of the police; the use and care of a station diary; powers and mode of arrest; care, custody and rights of prisoners; statement taking and report writing; classification of crimes and offences; psychology; gender affairs; health and family life; weaponry; effective communication; case files preparation, among others.

Delivering the other half of the Commandant’s report, the first ever female commandant Assistant Superintendent Techla Andrews said despite the training course running for seven months, it was packed and intense.

Andrews told the new recruits that their journey has only now just begun and urged them to be steadfast, motivated and smart in their daily activities.

Speaking at his first Passing Out Parade as Commissioner of Police, Michael Charles told the recruits that they are now ready to go out and serve with professionalism.

“You have been more than adequately prepared. Discipline is the corner stone of the career you have chosen. Without discipline, you can’t achieve anything,” Commissioner Charles stated.

He noted that police officers are to be upright, patriotic and willing to serve their country with pride and dignity.

Charles also urged the officers to jump on board the education revolution.

“The government has set aside $500,000 annually for police officers in achieving higher levels of education,” he said.

PC 916 D. Toney, who came in second position for the course, was awarded with the Commandant’s award, while the Chief Instructor’s Award went to PC 893 M. John for placing third in the course.

Other awards were also presented to other recruits.

Featured speaker at the event, Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams said the challenges that the officers of today face are far different from challenges faced by their predecessors.

“The requirements of being a police officer, what is expected of you as you protect and serve is not the same. A short 10 years ago, money laundering was just appearing on the national agenda as an issue; human trafficking was not on the radar; and crimes and criminals were confined to specific nations and to geographic locations,” Williams said.

“Now, persons thousands of miles away from St Vincent and the Grenadines can, indeed, rob, steal from persons’ bank account right here…,” he added.

Williams urged the students to grasp the opportunities to always strive for higher education.

“You have been taught and exposed to the benefits of values, discipline, values of organisation and hard work… These things you have learnt while being recruits, are to become part of your armoury…,There is no reason why you can’t seek to broaden your horizons,” Williams stated.

According to Williams, the police officers must do their best to uplift the profession, and he urged them to keep their heads and march on with their compasses as their guide.

Minister of Health Clayton Burgin was also on hand to deliver brief remarks.