ACTING Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud has admonished ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to launch their careers by upholding their oath to serve and protect, and not to throw away their careers by misbehaving, since their actions would be scrutinised by the public.

Last Friday at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square at Eve Leary, Georgetown, the Top Cop told ranks at the Passing Out Parade for several courses hosted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that he recognises the effort and sacrifices they had made to successfully complete the courses, and he welcomed them to the GPF.

He said: “You have all passed the enlistment segment and (have been) provided with the requisite training, and you have sacrificed a lot too. For six months at the Felix Austin Police College, you have worked hard; and now (you are) launching your new career.

“Don’t throw away (your career) by unruly conduct, but uphold the oath taken; because you will be in the public’s eye and (your) every action will be scrutinised.”

Persaud declared how pleased he was to see parents, relatives and friends present at the Passing Out ceremony, and thanked them for providing the support and foundation to the men and women who were successful in the courses they had passed.

He urged the ranks to carry out their responsibilities with honour, since it would be reflected in their behaviour and attitude.

He told them they now possess the qualities to serve and protect, and they know that there is no virtue in ignorance, but there is great power in knowledge. He said their conduct should be high quality.

Persaud admonished the ranks to protect citizens from those who want to do them harm, to be role models for children in the communities they serve, and to protect the homes and businesses of the community, and do so with a smile and a friendly hello.

Persaud disclosed that he has very high expectations of the ranks, and that he is confident they would step up to the call of duty, as they have their line of defence — that is, themselves and the truth.

He also encouraged the ranks to do their work in relative calm and composure, even under the most intense pressure; and to act with skill and courage, since law enforcement is a perishable skill which must be shared.

The GPF Passing Out Parade for the three Recruit Training Courses, a Probationers Final Training Course and a Conversion Course was punctuated with musical interludes, martial arts display, drill display, parade marches on, reflections, and remarks.

The best student for the Conversion Course No. 1/2014 was Special Constable Jordan, and the runner-up was Gonsalves. Both were awarded.

Constable Trotman was considered the Best Student in the Recruit Course 28 ‘B’; Best Classroom student was Sullivan; Most Improved Student was Schultz, Best Drill student was Washington, and Best Shot was Trotman.

The Recruit Course 315 saw Constable Dougan awarded the Best Student prize; Best Classroom Student was King; Most Improved Student was Shepherd, Best Drill was Primus and Best Shot was also Primus.

For the Recruit Course 316, Constable Trotz copped the Best Classroom Student and Best Student prizes, while Weeks got the Most Improved Student and Best Shot prizes. The Best Drill student was Marks.

In the probationer’s Final Training Course No. 1/2014, the COP Baton of Honour was presented to Constable Lyken by the Acting Commissioner of Police, while the best Classroom Student prize was given to Constable Carroll.

Superintendent K. Simon, Commandant of Felix Austin Police College, and Force Training Officer, Paul Williams also made remarks at the Passing Out Parade.

The ceremony started with the Parade Marches On and ended with the Parade Marches Off, after the top performers were presented with their prizes and the course was reviewed by several ranks who had participated in the courses and reflected on the training.
Written By Michel Outridge