By Bennette Roach :
Commissioner of Police Steve Foster (left) and Deputy Commissioner Bradley Siddell (right) flank the five new recruits
The Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) ceremoniously introduced five recruits, two women and three men, on Monday June 10, 2013, to begin a 21-week programme in Basic Police Training. They are Shamoya Grant, Delbert Williams, Sophia Bruno, Leon Campbell and Junior Turton.
The event which marks the beginning of the fifth (5th) basic police training course took place at the Brades Police Headquarters conference room, where Bishop Dr. Melroy Meade opened with an impressively fitting prayer, as he prayed, “
Sgt. Rasool chaired the proceedings and next called on Deputy Commissioner Bradley Siddell, the Director of Training, who in delivering the rudiments of the course, explained that it is delivered by way of lectures supported by teaching aids, group work, practical exercises involving scenarios and discussion for feedback as well as tutorial sessions. He added that the recruits would be exposed to the concept of community policing which is intertwined throughout.
He pointed out the course covers a wide range of police related subjects with special emphasis on skills-based practical exercises and problem solving and conflict resolution. This covers five (5) core modules: Orientation, Beat Duties, Crimes against property, Crimes against people, and Multi-Discipline. Over 70 topics will be covered within the five modules throughout the training.
Siddell told the recruits Be passionate, Be steadfast, Be motivated, Be patient, reminding them, “you are a police officer 24 hours a day 7 days a week; and, never stop learning because you won’t’ be able to know everything there is to know about policing overnight.”
Police Commissioner Steve Foster while reiterating Sidell’s encouragement and instructions to the recruits adding a few of his own, officially declared the training open encouraging the officers to be team players and to set high moral standards.
Meanwhile Chief Instructor Recruitment Training, Inspector Derona Semper who will be away for six weeks at the start of the course, told TMR, “The programme is very intensive and requires a high level of commitment, dedication and discipline. Drills complement the curriculum as a form of discipline.”
“More so,” she said, “the role of a police officer is both physically and mentally challenging, requiring a level of physical competence that ensures duties are carried out effectively and safely, without undue stress or risk of injury.”
Miss Semper gave the vote of thanks to close the opening of the course.
Photo caption: Commissioner of Police Steve Foster (left) and Deputy Commissioner Bradley Siddell (right) flank the five new recruits
