Western Division police officers were told yesterday that they will be pioneers of a new initiative, 21st Century Policing, which is being implemented throughout the country on a phased basis. In making the announcement yesterday, National Security Minister John Sandy told the officers he expected them to be "proud pioneers," bringing about a much-needed transformation in the way policing is conducted.
Sandy, who was speaking with the officers at St Michael's Anglican Church in Diego Martin at the first in a series of meetings entitled, "Meet the Troops," reminded them that "policing is about people." "It is not about the exercise; it is not about arrogance; it is not about inequality of treatment; and it is definitely not about self- gratification," he told them. Instead, he urged them to always act for the good of the public while upholding values such as responsiveness and reliability; promptness, diligence and respect; compassion and restraint; leadership, integrity and professional competence.
Sandy said there were areas of concern, including the fact that some citizens were afraid to make reports to the police. "We cannot solve crime except to partner with communities. We need to have a vision to invite citizens to have trust in us," he said. The minister admitted that the morale of police officers was low and assured them of his support.
Sandy said 800 recruits will be leaving the Police Training College by next year as the authorities seek to boost manpower. "We are now trying to catch up as there have not been any recruitments in the past four years," he said. The minister said a Marine Branch has been started with the assistance of the Coast Guard. Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs, ACP Simon Alexis, DCP Jack Ewatski, Snr Supt Trim, Insp Nelson and National Security special adviser Roy Augustus accompanied the minister on the tour.
