The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has bolstered its ranks, following the graduation of 78 recruits from the Police Training Academy on Tuesday.
The new officers were urged to carry out their duties with integrity, avoiding the abuse of power, and to hold their colleagues accountable if they fail to uphold the standards of the force.
Inspector Keith Thompson, Commander of the Police Academy, encouraged the new police constables to use their training—which included communications, conflict resolution, and basic policing techniques—wisely in order to positively impact their communities.
“You have the golden opportunity to demonstrate the very best of community policing. Remember not to abuse the power of being a police officer. Always try to be a role model and inspire others like Juju (Julien Alfred) did. Never forget that regardless of all the trials and tribulations, and when no one is looking, it remains your responsibility to protect and serve,” Inspector Thompson said.
Acting Police Commissioner Verne Garde impressed upon the graduates the critical role they will play in enhancing law enforcement efforts at a time when the RSLPF requires dedicated personnel.
“Work with us for the development of Saint Lucia in line with a good national security environment, and in line with an environment where serious crime is managed, and again in line where we could have good esprit de corps among our members, and in line with us having a good multi-sectoral approach towards the management of crime in general,” he said.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who is also the National Security Minister, encouraged the new officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to service.
“I think the majority of policemen and women are good policemen and women; it’s just a few who are not. But you must call out the few. You must call them out. You mustn’t believe that if someone is doing something wrong and you call them out,” Pierre said.
The prime minister also announced plans to recruit approximately 80 more officers in the coming year.
