Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 11, 2021 (SKNIS): The recruits of Course #45 were strongly encouraged to embrace their law enforcement training while paying keen attention to social intervention strategies.
On Monday (May 10), Osmond Petty, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, addressed the men and women during a ceremony to signal the start of training. He noted that the formal subjects including criminal law, evidence and procedure, weapons training, foot and arms drills, and more, are essential but added that equal attention must be paid to soft skills.
“Learn to engage others in courteous conversations, learn the ability to listen, show empathy to persons, explain your actions to others, deescalate tense situations, and leave persons that you encounter with their dignity,” Mr. Petty expressed to the recruits.
The permanent secretary said that these strategies would prove particularly useful when encountering various segments of society. He made special mention of engagements with at-risk youth.
“Learn how to engage youth and teenagers who are naturally aggressive sometimes but need your support,” Mr. Petty stated.
He also challenged the recruits to debate and question policies so that they can have a better understanding of procedures and protocols.
Course #45 currently has 25 males and six females. One more person is expected to join this week. The trainees are predominantly from St. Kitts and Nevis. Nationals from the Commonwealth of Dominica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are also a part of the course.
Commandant of the Police Training Complex, Inspector Shorna Edwards, told the recruits, “I can promise you that the journey will not be easy and there are times that you will want to throw in the towel, but I can promise you that the journey would be worth it as there are opportunities for professional and personal advancement in the organization.”
The police inspector thanked the recruits for answering the call to serve the citizens, residents, and visitors of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The opening ceremony for Recruit Training Course #45 was held on Monday, May 10, 2021, at the Police Training Complex.
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