A dozen new cops prepare to hit the beat

(CNS): Twelve brand new local police officers, eight men and four women who joined he RCIPS just 16 weeks ago, have graduated from their basic training and will be hitting the beat in the coming weeks as they continue learning during a 2-year probationary period. The first ever class made entirely of Caymanian officers includes police constables Gregory Banks Jr, Sarah Joy Bodden, Kishna Burke, Kadane Hall, Craig-Anthony Jervis, Zachary McLaughlin, Kristoff Powell, Andre Savoury, Patricia Sevik, Andrae Strachan, Maxwell Thomas and Nassaria Thompson. PC Powell (left, receiving his award from the governor) was judged Best Overall Recruit. PC McLaughlin was named Best Academic Student and PC Bodden earned the Team Spirit Award.

Praising their hard work and commitment, Governor Helen Kilpatrick encouraged then to take pride in their purpose as police officers and welcomed the presence of the four women among the new graduates. “All organisations need to recruit and train new staff to benefit from fresh ideas and renewed motivation,” she said.

Commissioner of Police David Baines emphasized the rigorous training and the sanctity of the oath of office that the graduates took upon completion of their course.

“The simplicity of the oath is that it has no exceptions or qualification. It is a commitment to serve all, regardless of status, nationality or gender, to one standard and to do so to the best of their ability,” Baines stressed.

Noting that these police officers come from the same community they serve, he urged them to guard the Cayman Islands’ public without fear or favour while always displaying humanity and caring in the manner in which they engage with the people.

The recruitment campaign targeting those between 18 and 30 years, launched on 1 October 2013, and attracted over 500 applicants. This was sifted down to 200 candidates, based on recruitment criteria. The final 12 were then selected through written exams, physical tests, presentations and interviews, the audience heard.

Trainer and master of ceremonies PC Halston Farley noted that in addition to four weeks of relevant practical training, the new officers would continue to learn as part of a two-year probationary period.

“Your journey has just begun; continue to abide by your promise to the organization and your communities at large. Learning has not ceased just because you have completed your training,” he told the graduates.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of his fellow graduates for all the training opportunities, including  team-building exercises, PC Thompson said the group was now better equipped  for their police duties, and had received “invaluable life lessons moving forward”, as well as advanced their self-knowledge.

She said they were particularly grateful to their trainers: Sergeant Andrew Harrison (head); PCs John Rowell, Roje Williams, Gabe Rabess, Halston Farley (also drill instructor) and Senior PC Paulette Hines, with 15 other officers also providing individual lessons.

Below: Led by PC Andrew Stewart, the graduates march past before Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Commissioner David Baines and Aide-de-Camp, Inspector Ian Yearwood.