RCIPS launches fast track scheme for top cops
(CNS): The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has launched a new scheme designed to pick out the cream of the cops. The High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS) was launched on Friday, 4 June, with the first Caymanian officer to be inducted. Police Constable Leo Anglin (left), who is 24 years old, will begin his training today, 7 June, and start on the fast track towards the higher ranks. Police Commissioner David Baines explained that the initiative was designed to place young local officers who show outstanding commitment and potential into promoted roles within the service. Anglin told the media on Friday that he had his eye on a chief inspector’s role but was also watching the commissioner as well. (Photo by Dennie Warren Jr)
Officers inducted into the scheme will take part in a structured programme of activity to allow them to experience all aspects of police work, Baines explained. They will be assigned a mentor specially selected from the senior staff of the RCIPS who will work withthem for the duration of the scheme. Officers will only be promoted when they have completed the pertinent sections of the HPDS programme and passed all relevant police promotion examinations.
Outstanding candidates could potentially achieve the rank of chief inspector within a 7-year period, considerably faster that the time line it would normally take to get to police management.
“The scheme will encourage officers to think about their long term prospects and about the impact the decisions they make have on colleagues, staff and our communities,” said the commissioner. “It’s about teaching officers to take a more strategic view of policing and develop their leadership skills. The RCIPS needs more home-grown talent in the higher ranks – and that’s what we hope to achieve through the HPDS.
“Constable Anglin was the obvious choice to be the first officer on the scheme. Although he has only been with us for a matter of months he has impressed many members of the RCIPS and our local communities with his commitment, professionalism and his dedication to police work. I have no hesitation in saying that if he works hard and continues to show the same levels of commitment while on the HPDS, he has the potential to be a future leader in the RCIPS," Baines explained.
He warned, however, that any officer entering the scheme would be expected to work hard. “Everyone who enters the scheme has to remember they will only get out of it what they put in. It’s not an easy option or a guarantee of promotion,” stressed the commissioner. “It will be challenging and push officers to the absolute limit – but it will get the very best out of all who take part.”
Anglin, who only graduated from the RCIPS training school in December 2009, is still a probationary constable and has spent the last five months working with the Marine Unit, where he impressed everyone he worked with. Training staff within the RCIPSquickly identified PC Anglin’s potential and recommended his induction to the HPDS. He was interviewed by the commissioner, who agreed that he should be the first officer to take part in the scheme.
From Monday Anglin will be based on an operational shift at George Town Police Station. He will complete 6 months in this post before moving onto further operational duties at West Bay and Bodden Town. Over the next two years he will spend time in many departments of the force, including Operations, Neighbourhood Policing, CID and Support Services.
“It’s a real honour to be the first officer in the RCIPS to take part in the scheme,” said Anglin. “I am looking forward to the challenges the HPDS will present, but I’m confident that if I apply myself to it that I will make a success of it. Policing is not just a job,, it’s a way to make a real and lasting difference to the communities of the Cayman Islands. I am very proud to be able to lead the way for other Caymanians who want a long term career in the RCIPS.”
Baines said that senior staff will be on the look out for more potential candidates as there will be no limit to the number of officers that can join the scheme, but only Caymanian recruits who have served less than four years and those who show exceptional potential will be placed on the fast track.
Category: Local News
Hmmm…..it is of utmost importance to always keep ur word. Always.
I do not know Mr. Anglin. But I do know that little can be learned about the full spectrum of Law-enforcement when you haven’t been in such a field for more than 10+ years. No offense to Mr. Anglin, but we need to recognize those with "real positive experience and proven tract records" instead of letting "youngsters (very inexperienced)" takeon important government policing roles.
Compare this with letting a thirty year old take over McKeeva’s job.
This is wonderful, however they have placed quite a burden on this young man who has just began his career within the Police Force. Why not select a few instead of one so that they can take this journey together.
Congratulations to commissioner David Baines and to Constable Leo Anglin it is encouraging to see these type of programs being put forward. a word of advice and caution steady on my friends not all the boys in blue share your zeal for success careful careful a very long and treacherous road lies ahead full of road blocks and "career ending development schemes" many honest and upright and decent officers have fallen and come to understand doing the right thing ain’t right by some in power who believe they should create a path for those to follow and maintain a legacy for themselves. Careful Mr Anglin the path to leadership is still controlled by the secret sinister hand of the chosen clique watch your back bro. Take advice and listen some of those guys who are no longer there.
The "Crabs In a Barrel" syndrome is still in effect, it seems, since this wonderful article didn’t even stay on the site’s main page for more than a day, yet the other that were there from before are still there. Why is that???
CNS: This is rubbish. Check the time stamp.
Congrats Leo,
you are and inspiration too all the people in Cayman, and out here in the US you are a strong black man, that could show other men out there on how too become an intelligent young man like you, and give them advice to change, I always knew you could do something better in your life like this keep up the good work, and continue what you are doing, don’t let no one put u down at all always keep your head up and stand tall; we all believe in you. And congrats commissioner on the and government over there.
you make us for family and friends proud of you and what are doing for your country. Keep it up.
Congratz on yet another achievement, Leo! You’re making your family, friends, the district of West Bay and the Caymanian community VERY proud. Also, thanks forbringing the Anglin name back to where it belongs…at the top and in good standings!
Keep up the GREAT work, bro! Just continue keeping your head high and aiming for the stars while keeping your feet fairly grounded.
Congrates to you Mr. Anglin, by the amount of great comments here and congrates to you it is a very good thing and encouraging. Most of the time we only hear bac things so this is a welcomed change.
More young educated Caymanians need to now follow your foot steps, but be warned don’t let the power and fame go to your head, keep grounded.
Well done young man.
Congrats Mr. Anglin on a job well done! You make us proud in Cayman. I would also like to thank Mr. Baines for his efforts in the police department and I do look forward to many more of such successful announcements.
I would however like to suggest to Mr. Anglin, Minister of Education and appeal to him to make the Cadet Corp a MANDATORY subject within our Education curriculum. I feel with this as a subject it will help with the behaviour problems with our children in school and as well it would also help prepare those children that are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Look forward to hearing your views on this.
Dont hang your hat where you cannot reach it. Take small steps.
Congrats Mr. Anglin. All the best with your efforts. And congrats to the Commisioner and other powers that be, for bringing this to fruition.
Congratulations and I hope many more young Caymanians follow in your footsteps!
Congrats Leo. I know there are bigger and better things ahead for you.
Lots of love
From your Godmother
Congrats Mr. Anglin! All the best with your efforts.
Congratulations Leo,
You are an exemplary youn officer. Hopefully this will be an encouragement to the youngmen and women officer already in the force and to those who are considering joining the ranks. Often time people look for ways to contribute to our society as a whole and joining the force is an excellent avenue to accomplish this.
You make me proud son, let me leave you and others out there with some words of encouragement with this quote.
It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out where the strong man stumbled, or where a doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, and who comes up short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause. The man who at best knows the triumph of high achievement and who at worst, if he fails, fails while daring greatly, so that his place will never be with those cold timid souls who never knew victory or defeat."
—Teddy Roosevelt