TWENTY-FOUR ranks of the Guyana Police Force graduated from the Felix Austin Police College in Berbice on Monday last, and each swore never to betray their badge, their integrity, their character, or the public trust.

They were admonished to “always have the courage to hold yourselves and others accountable for your actions. You must always uphold the constitution and [the] community you serve.”
This commendation came from the recently posted Commander of the Berbice Division, Asst Commissioner Brian Joseph, who was then quoting from an extract of the Law Enforcement Oath of Honour, recommended by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as a commitment  to ethical behaviour.
The former Traffic Chief had earlier reminded the new additions to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that, like almost everything else, police training is evolving, and it is imperative that serious adjustments are made to the way things are done. “In other words, our approach must be one which contributes to development and modernization, as reflected in our current engagement with the Capita-Symonds consultancy group.”
Joseph emphasized that the Guyana Police Force is soon to be renamed the Guyana Police Service, and its administrators focus continually on assessing its training needs, which addresses the gaps in knowledge and skills identified during the needs assessment process.
Besides training, the commander alluded to the fact that another aspect which affects policing is ethics. “When we speak of ethics, we really are referring to critical issues of corruption, namely gratuities and bribes; public trust, morals, honesty; abuse of force, abuse of authority, off-duty behaviour; poor work ethic of new recruits, along with respect and loyalty.”
Inspector Yonette Stephens noted in a review that thirty males from various regions commenced the initial training, but twenty-four “have fought the good fight”, another left shortly after to pursue another career, while the stint for the remaining five was short-lived by administrative reasons.
In addition to training in  drill and musketry, police duties, traffic and crime, the recruits  were privileged  to attend the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana to be exposed to basic computer training, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills  amongst other things.
Following their final examination, Stephens said, the ranks were attached to the Felix Austin Police College in Georgetown, where they underwent firearms training at the Tactical Services Unit.
Constable 21676 Towler was adjudged the Best Graduating Student, having amassed 457 marks from a total score of 500.
The graduation course, Number 26 B, which was held at the College at Adventure, Central Corentyne, had as its theme “Training for the enhancement of quality service delivery, in keeping with international best practices”. Its objectives included to increase the intake and train suitable personnel for their role in policing.
Amongst those in attendance at the graduation exercise, who witnessed the drill display by the policemen prior to their passing out parade, were U.S Ambassador Dr Brent Hardt; and Chairman of the  College Management Committee, Force Training Officer, Senior Superintendent  Paul Williams, amongst other senior and junior ranks, relatives and friends.