PC 270 takes home lion’s share of awards at Passing Out Parade

Fifty-one young men and women from across the country officially became police officers last Thursday December 18, at the 33rd Passing Out Parade of recruits, held at the Old Montrose Police Training School.

While all of the new recruits stood proudly on the parade square, the day belonged to PC 270 Jovarni Browne,{{more}} who took home the lion’s share of the awards.

Browne who was also the valedictorian, received awards for being best at First Aid, best at Psychology, best at police duty subjects, best at multi discipline subjects and best recruit.

He received the Dr Cecil Cyrus Trophy and the Baton of Honour and the Commissioner’s Trophy.

The second position in the course went to PC 620 Elford Layne, who received the Commandant’s award and best pistol shot.

Female police officer Constable 907 Dorcia Edwards placed third and received the Chief Instructor’s award. She was also best at evidence procedure and physical training for females.

In delivering the valedictory address, Constable Browne said when he enlisted, the journey appeared daunting, but now realizes it was all worth it.

“It wasn’t easy, but as we prepare to leap fearlessly into the world of policing, let us not forget the challenges faced and overcome along the way,” Browne said.

He said the long nights of work, rigorous physical training, demanding academic schedule, made him see all the pieces of the puzzle.

“We couldn’t see the full picture at the time, nor when we had all the pieces, were we able to put them together. While enduring these hardships, we were slowly gathering these pieces little by little… Luckily, we had faith in the process and now we are able to look back and see the final product. The puzzle pieces fit today. And here we can see before us, competent police officers,” he said.

He thanked God for carrying him through and his late mother, Elizabeth Browne.

In delivering the Commandant’s report, Assistant Superintendent of Police Techla Andrews said the 32-week training course, which began on May 4, 2014, saw the officers undergoing an intense physical training regimen, along with academic courses.

She said she is confident that the training school has accomplished its objective to equip the recruits with the necessary knowledge and skills required to be effective, quality junior police officers.

Andrews said the training ran for two months, during which the recruits were attached to various branches and units within the local constabulary, to provide the extra manpower required during the strenuous period from July to August.

The recruits were taught in subject areas such as: history and role of the police; the use and care of the station diary; powers and modes of arrest; custody, care and rights of prisoners; statement taking and report writing, among others.

The Commandant also noted that, for the second consecutive course, the training course recorded 100 per cent passes.

“Continue to strive for excellence through self-discipline and perseverance. Remain focussed. The world is changing, but our organization is deeply rooted in providing discipline in men and women. Please retain such qualities.”

Andrews also urged the new police officers to execute their duties without fear and favour.

Sharing brief remarks, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles told the recruits that the training they have received is geared towards the task ahead, which he warned them would not be easy.

“There is a continuing growing demand from the community for better service by the police in general. It is expected that you’ll be in the front line of policing and you will be expected to give quality service,” Charles said.

He implored the officers to have a high degree of self-discipline and integrity and not to succumb to the temptation of money or be corrupted by power.

“Wearing a uniform makes you powerful… Take every opportunity to enrich your knowledge of society and enhance your analytical power through education,” he said.

Featured speaker, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Public Service Dr Audrey Gilkes, beseeched the new police officers to strive to be better professionals and to seek out new ways of policing.

“That is what you do to keep people safe. You must stay ahead of the future and many steps ahead of those who violate the norms of society… Never be timid to protect and serve. Self-discipline does mean that you will retreat and surrender in the face of adversities; it means that in the discharge of your duties, you ensure that the legal and ethical perimeters are followed,” she said.

Gilkes further told the officers to trust one another and work on building relationships with the public.

“The public will be your harshest critic, but at the end of the day, you must be able to say that I have done my duty and feel a sense of satisfaction…,” she said.

Sir Vincent Beache, national security advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister also spoke briefly at the parade.(KW)