New police officers urged to learn to overcome challenges

Assistant Commissioner (Administration) David Ramnarine yesterday urged 63 new police officers to learn how to overcome challenges rather than being misled.

He was speaking at a passing out parade, which was held under the theme ‘Training to Build and Strengthen the Competencies of Ranks, Through Partnerships and Monitoring of Performances’. The parade was held at the Police Force Officers’ Training Centre located on Camp Street for officers from various divisions who completed recruit courses 338 and 339.

Ramnarine told the police officers that policing is not an occupation for all but rather is for those who are tough both mentally and physically.

 David Ramnarine
David Ramnarine

Delivering the feature address, the Assistant Commissioner explained that policing is becoming an increasingly challenging job, as the age of technology advances and as such he advised the officers that as they enter a professional organization peer pressure should no longer play a role.

He also reminded them that as law enforcement officers they are expected to possess general characteristics of a physician, social worker, nurse and teacher when it comes to dealing with the issues of juvenile delinquency, suicidal threats and gestures, missing persons and so on. He noted that at the same time they are expected to command respect, to demonstrate knowledge, control hostile inferences, control crowds, prevent riots and apprehend criminals, among other duties.

“As you soon embrace the world of work, it will appear a great challenge but you need to understand that you have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with almost every situation,” Ramnarine said.

He also explained to the officers that as Guyana celebrates its 50th anniversary soon their roles will be very critical in terms of how they manage and portray themselves not only to enhance the public security apparatus but to ensure all persons leaving the country afterwards will say that it is one which is developing.

Prizes were awarded to the outstanding graduates for each course. For recruit course 338, Constable 23317 Benn received the award for Best Student, runner-up was Constable 23321 Cozier. The prize for the Most Improved Student was awarded to Apprentice Jainarain.

For recruit course 339, Constable 23346 Small received the Best Student award and runner-up was Constable 23345 Sampson. Constable 23358 Douglas was most improved student.