Twenty-seven new recruits are on the streets to begin a month-long attachment with serving sergeants and constables. Photo: Provided

Commissioner of Police (CoP), Mr Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews points out that this is a very important time for the new recruits because this is where they will apply what they have learnt in theory into practice. Photo: VINO/File

New recruit during the nineteenth week of training. Photo: Provided

New recruit during the practical side of policing. Photo: Provided

The 27 recruits, who had been instructed on the fundamentals of policing, will be exposed to the practical side of the profession.

Trainees will respond to reports alongside experience officers who will guide and assess their capabilities in real life situations during this mentorship phase.

Weaknesses or deficiencies that may surface will be addressed so that at the end of six months, the officers are expected to be well rounded and more prepared for the tasks which lie ahead.

Critical time for the new recruits

In an exclusive interview with our news reporter, Commissioner of Police (CoP), Mr Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews points out that this is a very important time for the new recruits because this is where they will apply what they have learnt in theory into practice:

“This is a critical time for the new recruits. It is their first opportunity to put theory into practice under guidance. They are expected to slowly take the lead in situations that they face but are supported by a trained mentor throughout.”

Responding to a question on feedback from the recruits, the CoP explained that the new recruits have been giving back all positive responses.

He said, “I met will all the trainees and their mentors prior to this deployment on the streets and they are eager and excited and it is rewarding to see their confidence grow as they cease to be members of the public and become police officers.”

In giving some words of encouragement to the new recruits, Mr Matthews inspired the new recruits to never give up even when things get tough, adding that it is normal to feel nervous because policing is very challenging, hard and not without risk.

He further stated that “It is not for everybody but my hope is that we have selected some of the best in our recruits and provided the best training we can to prepare them for the role. I feel confident they will succeed and I am very impressed with them already. I am also very proud of what the force has achieved with its newest team to date.”

Commandant of the training programme is Superintendent Jacqueline Vanterpool. Chief Instructor, Acting Inspector Westmore Jeffers coordinated the in-class instruction while training was delivered by Sergeant Beverly James and Acting Sergeant Nicholas Tranquille. Specialist training was by other officers of the Force.