Commissioner of Police Leslie James on Wednes-day urged new recruits to remain respectful of citizens as they embark on their new careers with the force.
James was at the time delivering the feature address at the passing out parade for the 93 persons who completed recruit courses 370, 371 and 372 at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Square, Eve Leary.
The recruits completed nine months of training, which commenced on April 25th last year.
“You are embarking on an exciting, interesting and equally serious career as policemen and police women. Do not forget our moment or fail to apply the exposure you have had to the rules, law, regulations, procedures and tactics. Remember your oath of office, which you took. Each word, each phrase, remember them,” James urged the graduates.
He urged them to quell their anxieties, to be patient and to be confident. “Be assertive in the execution of your duties,” he further urged.
James told the new officers that the job prepares them for the challenges which lie ahead but they would not find it easy. “It is not easy and it is not a job for everyone. Being a police officer requires a lot of things… You must display exemplary conduct… and bearing… honesty, trustworthiness, confidentiality. Once you do this job right, it can be a rewarding career. Those rewards will not be measured in dollars and cents, you will know when you have to be rewarded. You will feel it right here, in your heart,” he explained.
James also told the ranks that the history of the Guyana Police Force has shown that its members have been resolute in their endeavours and resilient in treating challenges that would have confronted them at different times. “Remember your goals and aspirations. Keep going with values of self-discipline… and most of all courage and integrity,” James noted.
He told the ranks to remain respectful to people in the respective communities where they will serve. “…We must be impartial in our enquiries and all of our investigations. Our citizens, quite rightly, expect professional service and protection from us. Protect them from those who wish to do them harm and [who] engage in criminal enterprises. Protect their homes, their schools and their businesses,” he exhorted them.
At present, James noted, serious crime figures are at -5.7%. “I did say prior and I will say again this afternoon the Guyana Police Force is at a very important juncture whereby we are engaged in a reformation programme. It is aimed at enhancing our professional development and service delivery in keeping with international best practices,” James said.
“Graduates, I implore that when you go out into those communities tomorrow, Friday or even Saturday, just do what you have been trained to do. Work hard, ask questions, seek answers. Your effort and our collective efforts [are] what will make a difference. No matter how minute, do it on every single shift. Do your job correctly and it will matter to someone,” he further added.
Constable 24898 Gonsalves, Constable 24929 Mussenden and Constable 24949 Singh were named the Best Graduating Students of their respective courses.
