Commissioner tells new cops it’s not too late to walk away

Ever since he was a young boy, Nicholas Jeremiah had a passion for movies about cops and robbers. He turned that passion into a profession on Thursday, October 15, 2009.{{more}}

The young Vermont resident walked away with seven awards, including the Best Recruit at the 28th Passing Out Parade of Recruits of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, held at the Old Montrose Police Training School last week.

Some of Jeremiah’s other prizes include the awards for: Best at Sociology, Best at Multi-discipline subjects, Best at Police Duty Subjects and Best at Physical Training. He was also awarded with the Dr. A. Cecil Cyrus Trophy, The Best Recruit award, the Baton of Honour and the Commissioner’s Trophy.

PC 389 Jeremiah related that the journey for him and his colleagues was not easy, but they all managed to pull through until graduation. “I have gained quite a lot from my training and everybody had a part to play in me graduating this evening,” he remarked.

He admitted that his greatest challenge was making the transition from civilian to a police officer. Jeremiah, however, has already pledged his committment to using the skills he gained to improve the standard of the police force.

Fifty-two policemen and women graduated on Thursday from the training course, which commenced on December 1, 2008, with 60 recruits, of which 20 were female.

Delivering the Commandant’s address, Superintendent Michael Charles noted that for the first time, port police officers were trained along with regular police. Charles implored the senior officers to be role models for the newcomers in relation to national service.

Delivering brief remarks, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller sternly told officers that it is not too late to leave the constabulary if they are going to tarnish the efforts of those persons who are trying to perform admirably. “We expect you to exhibit and apply the best practices…I must caution you, if you join the department for other reasons, then you are in the wrong place.”

The top cop advised officers to question themselves about what they are bringing to the force which will contribute to helping to correct their weaknesses and build on the strengths. Miller urged the officers to be self-motivated, loyal and to keep abreast of modern trends in policing in an effort to be informed.

Port Police Officer 006 Gwenneth Charles, who won the prize for Procedure, delivered the valedictory speech.

P.C. 825 D. Williams received the awards for being the Most Disciplined Recruit and the Best Turned Out Recruit. P.C. 205 L. Alexander was best at rifle shot, while P.C. 821 A. Telesford was awarded for being Best at Psychology. The awards for Best at Pistol Shot and Best at Military Subjects went to P.C. 797 D. Simmons, while Best at Evidence was P.C. 795 K. Pompey. The Most Improved recruit was P.C. 707 E. Haywood, while Best at Drills was P.C. 183 O. Campbell. P.C. B. Bobb walked away with the awards for Best at Self-Defence and the Chief Instructor’s Award for placing 3rd in the course. The Commandant’s Award for 2nd place in the course went to P.C. 816 W. Solomon.

Senator Rochelle Forde delivered the feature address. (KW)