Instructors come in for high praise

The enthusiasm flaunted by young recruits in the T&T Police Service (TTPS) must be upheld after their training at the Police Academy. It was while lauding administrators and staff of the Police Academy that National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy urged Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs to ensure that officers’ enthusiasm levels were maintained in order to have an effective and efficient Police Service. Sandy spoke briefly to senior administrators and instructors of the academy before touring the facility at Western Main Road, St James, yesterday. He said he was impressed with what he had seen and that “it speaks volumes of the care and importance it placed on the young recruits, their comfort, sense of value and their well-being.”

Sandy, who was once a training officer in the T&T Defence Force, said he understood the effort and dedication required to train young officers. He said money could not pay for the dedication demonstrated, particularly by instructors, “who beat it out on the square as we used to say in the military because I know the requirements of an instructor because I have been there.” Sandy called them “a special breed of people” who transformed lives. While he showered praises on them, Sandy said he had one concern. He said: “My concern, my concern is...and Commissioner, I am asking that your divisional commanders take note that when these youngsters leave here with that type of ability, that type of enthusiasm... when they go out there it must be maintained,” he said. He added if enthusiasm was not maintained, “we would lose it out there.” Sandy said after his tour, he was eager to inform Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and his Cabinet colleagues “the good news coming out of this academy.”

About the programme

The Police Academy conducts a 24-week induction programme based on nine areas which include criminal law and evidence, police duties, defensive tactics, firearms and drill. The programme has an intake of 30 trainees every four weeks which allows 400 officers to graduate annually. According to a TTPS fact sheet, there are plans to increase the intake to 30 trainees every two weeks.

CoP: Academy is heart of Police Service

Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs says if people use their brains more, the police could accomplish “far more.” <!--break-->He was speaking at The Police Academy, Western Main Road, St James, yesterday, before he and Minister of National Security Brigadier John Sandy toured the facility. He said the academy was the heart of Police Service. “This is where it all begins,” Gibbs said.  “There is training that just begins here that continues throughout the entire career of a T&T police officer.” He said officers needed to develop their fullest potential and be mentored throughout their training at the academy and until they retired. (RKR)