Attorney-at-law and Inspector of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), Aniel Innocent, has forged a remarkable career defined by perseverance, dedication, and trailblazing achievement. Balancing the demands of law enforcement, academia, and motherhood, her story is one of resilience, vision and unwavering commitment.
Among her most notable accomplishments is shattering a glass ceiling in the RSLPF: she became the first female police officer to qualify as an attorney. Reflecting on her 19-year journey, Inspector Innocent acknowledges the challenges she has overcome, particularly as a woman navigating a male-dominated field.
“My journey within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has come with its fair share of challenges, especially as a woman in a predominantly male organisation,” she told St Lucia Times. “However, I’ve always believed that women are just as capable, and I’ve worked hard to prove that through my service and commitment.”
Her policing career began in the Traffic Unit, where her excellence quickly distinguished her. She earned the title of Constable of the Year for three consecutive years, a testament to her work ethic and discipline. After seven years, she transitioned to the Press Office, where she was promoted to corporal. In this role, she hosted public engagement programmes such as Police Vibes and Call the Police, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.
“That role allowed me to engage directly with the public and strengthened my belief in the importance of strong partnerships between the police and the community in addressing the everyday challenges we face in law enforcement,” she recalled.
Her strategic acumen and leadership were further recognised during her tenure in the Research and Development Unit, where she provided policy advice to the Force’s Executive and evaluated departmental performance. Her contributions earned her a promotion to sergeant.
Despite the rigorous demands of policing, Inspector Innocent never wavered in her pursuit of education. She earned a Diploma in Mass Communication from Monroe College, followed by a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London – completed via distance learning between 2017 and 2020 while serving full-time as a police officer.
“Leave was only taken to write exams,” she explained. “This was done through distance learning whilst fully functioning as a police officer.”
Through meticulous planning and discipline, she then pursued her legal training during a year-long vacation in the United Kingdom.
“My postgraduate diploma was done simultaneously with the Bar programme at BPP University, London, England, during the period January 2023 to January 2024. All this was done whilst I was on vacation in the United Kingdom,” she said. “Whilst on vacation, my year off to do the Bar and postgraduate degree, I was being paid as a police officer.”
Inspector Innocent strategically allowed her vacation time to accumulate after completing her law degree, ensuring she could dedicate herself fully to the Bar. Her efforts culminated in her being called to the Bar in England and Wales and later in Saint Lucia. This milestone complemented her promotion to Inspector after nearly two decades of service.
“I feel a deep sense of accomplishment, especially knowing that I never had to choose between my career, academic pursuits and being a devoted parent to my son, who is now a young adult.”
She openly acknowledges the difficulties of raising a child as a young working mother while advancing in a demanding profession.
“I had to balance motherhood and a career whilst ensuring the needs of my only son were met,” she shared. “Thankfully, I had a community which supported me tremendously. The reward of all this is evident in the young man he has become. I am very proud that my community and I have raised a remarkable, respectful, ambitious, humble and honest young man.”
Her decision to study law stemmed not only from professional ambition but also from a desire to serve more effectively within the Force.
“I also recognised how valuable legal training would be in complementing my policing experience,” she said. “While I’ve seen others transition from policing to full-time law practice, I strongly believe there’s a need for legally trained professionals within the Force.”
She is a firm advocate for integrating legal expertise into law enforcement, believing it strengthens the institution.
“We need officers who can interpret legislation, advise on policy and address legal matters effectively. My journey has shown me that we don’t have to choose between two passions; we can merge them to serve with greater impact.”
Inspector Aniel Innocent’s story is not merely one of achievement, but of intention, balance and the quiet power of self-belief – even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Best wishes and good luck – you have done well by setting your priorities in place. Dedication, sacrifice and commitment certainly pays off – Peace and blessings.
Well done young lady. Dedication and sacrifice pays.
My only criticism is the strategic accumulation of vacation to allow for a years vacation. Can’t condone this.