– told to be guardians of public safety

RECRUITS of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were Friday urged to act as “guardians of public safety” and return the force to its glory days. The call was made by Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph (Head of the Presidential Guard) when he addressed 54 male and three female ranks who completed the police recruitment course and had their “passing out parade” at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

He urged the new recruits to maintain positive contact with citizens while ensuring justice.
The new officers were in training since May at the Felix Austin Police College. It was the college’s fourth graduation exercise for the year.
Joseph, who inspected the parade, reminded the ranks that the force is one that has service and protection as its motto, and as such they will be referred to as police and law-enforcement officers. In addition, he told the ranks that they will be required to perform several functions and witness events which they may find uncomfortable.
Describing the profession, he told the ranks that as is the case of social workers, they will be called to assist persons in various ways, such as conveying news of the loss of their loved ones. ”You will help the elderly and children who are most vulnerable in society and sometime during your career, you will save a life or many lives, putting your own on the line,” he said.
He also cautioned the ranks to never overlook or take for granted the value of their own families, noting that they should treat their loved ones as “gems.”
Joseph told the ranks, who stood at attention under the hot afternoon sun, that they will be called to do the “unthinkable” at some point in their careers. He said few persons will understand such situations. He said the ranks should not lose sight of their characters.
He said that the ranks are only at the threshold of their careers in law enforcement and he urged them to place justice at the forefront of their minds.
“Be just, be fair and open-minded, be even-handed and professional and not judgmental in your dealings with everyone,” he said.
“Be collaborative, you must be a team player as your very own successful operation will depend on collaboration,” Joseph said.
As regards their professional conduct, he urged the new recruits not to be afraid to report their colleagues if they do not carry out their duties in accordance with the job’s requirements.
Speaking at the graduation, Force Training Officer (ag) Senior Superintendent Royston Andries -Junor informed the ranks that training did not end with Friday’s graduation.
Several police constables who graduated from the two courses – Numbers 345 and 346 – were presented with awards for outstanding performances during the two courses. Constable 23686 Griffith and Constable 23722 Woolford were adjudged best graduating students.
It was noted too that Constable Apprentice Gilbert, who was adjudged a runner-up at the end of the two courses, was the GPF’s youngest member since he was under the age of 18.