Newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Winston James has issued a strong warning to the newest members of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) to stay away from corruption, drugs and other criminal activities. Commissioner James was addressing the latest RGPF Passing Out Parade ceremony held last Friday at the Tanteen Netball Court for forty-one (41) recruits who completed eighteen (18) weeks of intensive training.

The island's chief cop implored them to walk the straight and narrow road and "stay away from the get rich syndrome and avoid public embarrassment". His remarks comes against the backdrop of recent events involving police officers who have brought shame and disgrace on the image and reputation of the force. In the past five months, a total of four police officers - Corporal Frederick "Balla" Noel, Inspector Wayne Wilson, Corporal Joel Horsford and Constable Joseph Tillock - have been charged for allegedly committing criminal offences.

Balla, a bodyguard of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell was charged in connection with the shooting of a civilian over al over's quarrel while Wilson was taken in last week for fraud in connection with the tampering of the registration of a vehicle. In the case of Horsford, he was picked up for the alleged theft of thousands of dollars belonging to the police force while Tillock was nabbed for the theft of an officer's gun.

Commissioner James called on the new recruits to add positive values to their self image, as well as bring respect to their families and promote RGPF in a positive manner as the force strives to build back better. He told the graduates that they are now persons in authority and the eyes of the public will be on them. He implored them to walk the straight and narrow road and do all they can to help in rebuilding the image of the Force.

According to Commissioner James, the newly enlisted men and women have a formidable task ahead, one which requires that each of them is well-trained to execute their tasks in a professional manner. The chief cop warned the recruits that no single training course undertaken could correct every aspect of policing, and as such there is a need for ongoing training both on and off the job.

Of the 41 enlisted officers, 10 are females - the largest number of ladies to have graduated in any one class. W.P.C. 12 Renaee Patrick came out tops for Best at Academics and Baton of Honour Awards. Other who received award were PC #19 Martis James, Best at Drills; PC #254 Kerlon Matthew, Best Turned-Out; PC #70 Attiba Lewis, Best at Physical Training ; PC #359 Eric Jones, Best at Pistol Shot; and PC #142 Alonie Thomas, Best at First Aid.

Also addressing the graduates was Minister of National Security, Senator Einstein Louison who told the gathering that the females who took part in the training did so with distinction and were among the most outstanding in the Class. Sen. Louison told the graduating class that they are about to join the Ranks of RGPF at a very crucial period in the development of the force. "As you begin your career as a Member of the Royal Grenada Police Force, I refer you to your statement of common purpose and values. You have taken the oath to protect and serve, and I challenge you to do so with great distinction," he said.

He encouraged them to invest in the training received to and allow it to serve as a foundation for their growth, personal development and the general advancement of the Force. "Allow your tenure to be meaningful, you have made a sound investment in your future, and we have made a similar investment in you", he told the new recruits.

Like Commissioner James, the National Security Minister reminded the new officers that their enlistment in the force does not place them above the law and that "being a member of this noble institution you are fully aware of the consequences for any form of illegal activities or wrong doings." He pointed out that the Ministry of National Security has adopted a zero tolerance policy for members of the force involved in illegal activities, as has been clearly demonstrated in recent weeks with the arrest of Police officers who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Sen. Louison called on the new officers to play their part in helping in the transformation of the image of RGPF. "It is imperative that you are respected and not fared. I must remind you that respect is something that you earn; it cannot be demanded or ordered", he remarked.

He urged them to shun the unproductive elements within the rank and file of the force and to follow the footsteps of model officers like Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Trevor Modeste who was the recent recipient of an award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 for his outstanding services and Corporal Wilfred Buckmire who displayed great heroism in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. Sen. Louison also issued a warning to the recruits and the rest of the police force that "no form of Police Brutality would be tolerated. "You must be firm, resolute, always fair, but not abusive in the execution of your duties", he told them.

The senior government minister exhorted the new officers to establish solid relationships within their communities and to be a positive role model for all, adding that the Community Policing philosophy adapted by the Force should "therefore be your guide". He challenged the officers to aggressively address crimes such as housebreaking and stealing, illegal drug dealings and trafficking, youth violence and general disregard for law and order in the country.

According to Sen. Louison, while the country continues to see encouraging signs in the management and control of crimes in Grenada, this should not be an excuse for complacency on the part of police officers. He warned the force against dropping its guard but instead seek to increase their detection levels and improve on all areas of their operations. He reminded them that the hosting of the 2007 Cricket World Cup matches in the spice Isle "will be the one of the biggest challenges for our security services, not only here in Grenada but throughout the region".