I
am pleased to be in Grand Bahama to be part of this very special occasion,
the ceremony to mark the transition of the men and women of C-Squad
from Police Recruits to Police Officers. Today, these 30
Recruits take another significant step in their commitment to serve
our country and its people as Police Officers.
Photo: Derek Carroll
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Members
of C Squad, I share with you, your families and friends, and your Police
Force family, the sense of pride, satisfaction and anticipation that
you must surely be feeling, as you prepare to take your place in our
historic Police Force.
We
know that many applied to the Police Force, but you are the ones that
were chosen. Selecting you is in keeping with the Police Force’s
forward-looking policy of recruiting progressive young people with skills,
competence, capability and talent, as the next generation of Police
Officers.
Graduates,
to be the kind of Police Officer The Bahamas needs at this time you
must be prepared, academically and physically. I have always found reassuring
the extensive efforts the Royal Bahamas Police Force Training College
puts into the education and training of our future Police Officers.
I am reliably told, members of C-Squad, that you received the full treatment
here in Grand Bahama.
Photo: Derek Carroll
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I
know that during your six month of intense education and training, your
daily mental regimen was as strict and demanding as your daily physical
regimen.
The
training you have received over the past 6 months has been holistic
and reflective of the broad range of matters that will challenge you
as Bahamian law enforcement officers. The training was specifically
geared towards the further development of your attributes, to position
you to meet the expectations of the Police Force, our country and the
Bahamian people.
You have been trained in the law, policing and practical aspects of
law enforcement. You have also received training in community outreach
and partnership building. You have shown your physical prowess,
by enduring six months of rigorous physical training, which has prepared
you to protect yourself and others, including in situations of danger
and risk.
Having
come through both the recruitment and training processes, let me say
that expectations of your Squad is very high. You are coming into a
dynamic Police Force that has gone through a generational change, particularly
within its leadership. New policing strategies are being put
in place, which you will be required to implement, and to which you
will have the opportunity to contribute your ideas and proposals.
Graduates,
I wish to challenge you as you begin your career in policing, by setting
out what I expect of you. I expect you to be flexible and adaptable,
capable of performing the multiple roles you may be required to play
during your career in law enforcement.
#3444 Lynette Leadon Photo: Derek Carroll
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I
expect you to be responsible and accountable, courteous and professional.
The uniform of a Police Officer does not give you licence to treat people
with rudeness and contempt. Rather it is a statement that you are at
their service.
I
expect you to be men and women of discipline and of integrity. I expect
you to meet your obligations to counter crime and criminality, no matter
who perpetrates it, and no matter where it occurs. I expect assertive
and energetic policing. Above all, I expect you to avoid corruption,
and to do nothing that would bring you or the Police Force into disrepute
or disgrace.
I
expect you to deliver effective service, as your best assurance for
gaining the confidence of our citizens, residents and visitors. I expect
you to develop effective partnerships, particularly in the context of
Neighbourhood Community Policing, to help you do your job effectively.
I
know that policing brings danger and risk, but those risks can be limited
by taking the appropriate precautions. I expect you to take the necessary
precaution, in the interest of protecting the people you serve and for
your own protection.
I
have made these points about my expectations of you particularly taking
into account the current crime situation in The Bahamas. I have said
repeatedly that the level of crime in our society is unacceptable, and
that the Police have a significant role to play in countering this crime.
Only
you, Recruits, can determine the kind of Police Officer you will be.
Only you can set the right goals and objectives for your career in policing.
Only you can organize yourself to ensure that you attain your goals.
You do, however, have a context in which to work. In that
regard, I urge you to hold firmly to the time-honoured tradition of
the Police Force, and its commitment to serve the people of The Bahamas
with “
, Courage, Integrity and Loyalty”.
On
behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, the Ministry of
National Security, and on my own behalf, I congratulate the men and
women of C Squad 2009 on this important milestone in your life.
Congratulations
and God bless you all.
