A total of forty one (41) young Grenadians last Friday attained the rank of constables and pledged to protect and serve in keeping with the motto of the royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).

The recruits graduated from a seven month training programme conducted by the force at its training school at Fort George (Rupert) in St. George's.

The course, code-named "Intake Number 34" was attended by eight females and 33 males and they had to undergo special training in the areas of physical fitness, firearms, and drills.

Two of the graduates who came in for special commendation were Police Constable 15 Allie Forsyth who received the Baton of honor and Police Constable Herbert Wilson, who got the best turned out student, award.

One of the high points of the exercise was the feature address delivered by the guest of honor, resident High Court Judge Justice Kenneth Benjamin, who commended the graduates, Commissioner of Police, Commandant and staff of the Police Training School for a job well done.

Justice Benjamin noted that the training programme started on September 1, 2003 with 42 selectees and saw only one person failing to graduate.

This, he said speaks volumes as regards the effectiveness of the force's recruiting policy and procedures, and to the determination and application of the graduates. "It is not easy a task for a raw civilian to be transformed into a trained police officer designate", he remarked.

"This devotion to training is indicative of the high priority placed by the Administration of the Royal Grenada Police Force on providing the best personnel to perform police duties in Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique", he said.
The judge pointed out that this high standards of performance is often demanded by the public in order to feel safe "as we go about our day-to-day activities".

Justice Benjamin stated that a society can only flourish when its citizens are secure in the knowledge that the rule of law prevails and the enforcement of laws are in capable hands.

He reminded the graduates that this is the beginning of their careers as Constables of RGPF after which they will be clothed with the power of arrest - a power that resides only in Police Officers on the island.

"It means that if you were not convinced when you began your training that you ceased to be an ordinary citizen, from this day onwards for as long as you are a police officer you stand in a special category", he said.

"From here on, your life and life style will undergo significant change. You will be required to conduct yourself with decorum and discipline. In order to do so, I would simply commend to you the excellent training from which you have benefitted. It will be expected that your conduct be exemplary and above reproach", he told the young officers.

The judge exhorted the young officers to remember that the community will be integral to their role as police officers and as such they must develop community awareness and be cognizant of everything that is of current importance.

"For example there is much concern about praedial larceny. Farmers and Government officials alike have voiced alarm at the prevalence of this illegal scourge", he said.

"Also, in recent years, the issue of domestic violence has become an important issue. This topic will directly impact on your duties as a significant percentage of the complaints made to the Police are referable to a domestic situation", he said.

The Guyana-born high court judge also encouraged the graduates to keep on learning since the process for them as police officers has just begun.

Justice Benjamin told the officers that the key to promotion and advancement is self-improvement and that they should not be afraid to further their studies, perhaps by doing a few more CXC subjects or by enrolling at the T.A. Marryshow Community College to further their education.