The Guyana Police Force last week enlisted 86 new recruits following an eight-month training programme at the Felix Austin Police Training College. Police Commissioner Leslie James welcomed the new recruits during the passing out parade at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square at Eve Leary, Georgetown.
During his charge to the graduating ranks, the Police Commissioner reminded of their duties to Guyana and its citizens, as they have been selected and laded with the responsibility to protect those who require same, metaphorically as guardian angels.
“You are reminded that the citizens would quite rightly expect a professional service from you…you will be called upon, and you are duty-bound to protect our citizens from harm. To protect their properties from being damaged, you have been selected and are now being posted as men in blue, the guardian angels within our ten regional police divisions,” the Police Commissioner noted
Even as Commissioner James applauded the new officers on their determination during the past few months, he noted that there will be challenges as they commence their journey as Police officers and urged that those challenges be addressed with conformity to the rule of law, and in an assertive manner while executing duties.
“You have withstood and endured the physical and mental fatigue that was meted out to you during the past months while undergoing your initial stint in becoming policemen…you are now equipped with the knowledge of the laws of Guyana, regulations, procedures and guidelines. From this day onwards you are entering out communities across our divisions where you will be forced and faced with the challenges of life as a policeman,” he stated.
During the eight-month rigorous training, the recruits participated in both practical and theoretical teaching. This included basic principles of policing, practice and procedure, self-defence tactics and firearm training, along with lectures on various topics such as crime, traffic, human rights, communication, working under pressure among other things.
The new addition of officers is expected to take up duties within the 10 administration regions of Guyana.
