The Guyana Police Force on Friday welcomed a new batch of 85 recruits to the cadre of law enforcement. Officers of three different courses graduated from the Felix Austin Police College, eager to serve and protect.
After five months of rigorous training, a well diverse group of young enthusiasts emerged as Police Officers of the Guyana Police Force. The now ambassadors of the Force were exposed to a life altering experience which transformed them from
New recruits of the Guyana Police Force 1 & 2
regular civilians into enforcers of the law.
The training, which began on October 10, 2016, incorporated various components which included practice and procedures, self-defence, first aid, anger management and basic capacity building courses. The recruits were also subjected to teachings on crime, traffic and other essential aspects necessary to fully prepare the young officers for a life of service.
The Force’s Training Officer, Paul Williams congratulated the batch for making it to the finish line. He stated that many were called by only a few chosen; thus, he was delighted with those who managed to weather the storm. The Training Officer reminded the new intakes that discipline is paramount and so he urged the graduates to maintain the high standards of ethics and conduct that are expected of them.
Moreover, Assistant Police Commissioner Maxine Graham in her featured address highlighted that officers of the law are constantly under intense scrutiny. As such, she reminded the officers of their sworn oath. Graham pointed out that joining the Force is a unique opportunity to change lives in a positive manner. Further, she tasked the batch of new recruits to never let a victim suffer at the hands of an offender for a second time. She prompted the grandates, stating that their actions have serious consequences and with that, their duty is to arrest criminals and offer assistance to those in need.
At the graduation ceremony, nine officers received special recognition and accolades for their accomplishments throughout the training programme. A best student, runner-up and most improved were awarded with trophies for each of the three courses.
The new Police Officers are now under a two-year probation period during which they will be closely monitored. The officers are subjected to dismissal in instances of misconduct which were laid out in a declaration they had previously signed. Visible tattoos and the possession or use of narcotics are two such misdemeanours. The Training Officer mentioned one instance of a recruit being dismissed from the very batch for his use of narcotics.
The graduation ceremony concluded with a final parade and salute from the recruits. The batch from each of the three courses commenced their march as trainees of the Felix Austin Police College and concluded as Officers of the Guyana Police Force.
