Woman Assistant Commissioner of Police, Maxine Graham on Friday charged 85 new police constables to remember the oath they took to “serve and protect” as they embark on their law enforcement career.

She was at the time delivering the feature address at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Felix Austin Police College Passing-Out Parade for Recruit Courses 351, 352 and 353 at Force Headquarters, Eve Leary.  Graham encouraged the ranks to adopt an attitude of professionalism and integrity and to inculcate courtesy, honesty and disciple and at the same time to be focus and alert.

Graham told the ranks to stay focused as they assume a tour of the GPF after being transformed from civilians to law enforcement ranks and to serve with diligence. ”Don’t forget what you were taught, your oath since you will be in the public’s eye, under scrutiny. This isn’t a job but a career and don’t take actions based on your emotions which can have life-long consequences.”

The senior officer related that the life of a member of the GPF is challenging and a perishable skill, a skill which should be enhanced by reviewing notes of lessons and to strive for excellence through higher education. Graham told the new ranks to be guided by the principles of their teaching which they underwent for five months since they are still on probation and never give up but press on for the greater good of service.

Meanwhile, Police Training Officer, Paul Williams in his remarks said three courses with a total of 85 ranks graduated after they successfully completed both physical and classroom training for a period of five months. He added that the ranks were exposed to rigorous forms of training to mould them into members of the GPF and they will be on two years’ probation as such, they should desist from using narcotics and the inking of any tattoos on their bodies.

Williams encouraged the ranks to maintain discipline and good practices since they have proven to be a group of talented young men and women, who came from different backgrounds and were able to work as a unit.

He however, asked the ranks to follow the narrow and straight path and not deviate from their goals and maintain high standards. In his courses’ reflection, one of the best graduating students Constable Lacon told the gathering on Friday that even though the training was difficult to adjust to they endured and it paid off because they are better equipped to face the public.

He said they benefited from cutlery etiquette and much physical training which will be useful in their tour of duty. Lacon sums up the months of hard training as “It wasn’t easy but it was worth it.” The top performers were presented with trophies for their excellence on Friday.