Sixty police recruits officially joined the ranks of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force following a graduation ceremony recently.
After six months of law enforcement training at the Royal Saint Lucia Police Academy, the 52 police officers and eight port police officers from Course 33 were called on to serve and protect.
Commissioner of Police Vernon Francois welcomed the recruits to the service and urged them to be professional and diligent in the execution of their duties.
“You have chosen a noble profession. As a police officer, the St. Lucian public and visitors to our shores depend on you for their security and safety. The hallmark of your career should be professional service. You cannot be vindictive on this job. You must be a consummate public servant who is focused on making a positive difference to self, organization and country.”
Keynote speaker Lorraine Williams addressed the graduates with words of encouragement and advice as they prepare for a police career.
“As you begin your duties, regardless of your mission or assignment in designation, always remember the values and skills you learn from this academy. I believe you occupy one of the most powerful and important professions in the world; that is to serve and protect, and I say you are privilege to perform because of the opportunity to be of service to the people. I say powerful because of the wide latitude of discretion you take as you discharge your functions. And important, because it is in your hands, that the enjoyment of life, liberty and property of the people you serve and protect is entrusted by the community.”
The new police recruits were applauded for their dedication and engagement of community policing services.
“Striving to be leaders for a better tomorrow,” is the theme adopted by the new police recruits.