PM to new police officers: 'See yourselves as ambassadors'

Fifty-nine (59) young men and women from across Dominica, 43 males and 16 females, are the newest addition to the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), the largest induction the police service has seen at any one time.

The Graduation Ceremony and Passing out Parade of the 36th Recruit Training Course took place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

The officers’ six months of intensive training at the school’s new location in Jimmit began on December 6, 2024, after taking their oath at the Police Headquarters in Roseau.

The Chief Instructor who was addressing the ceremony told the new officers that policing is not merely a profession, it is a commitment to uphold justice.

“Officers of the graduating class, it seems like yesterday that you all embarked on this path of policing. It is essential to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with the badge. Policing is not merely a profession, it is a commitment to uphold justice,” he said. “Therefore, as you prepare to step into your roles as police officers I urge you to remember the profound impact it will have on your communities. You are not just enforcers of the law, you are guardians of peace, advocates for justice, and beacons of hope.”

Timothy continued, “Your presence will reassure the vulnerable, deter the wrong-doers, and foster trust within the communities you are going to serve.”

He further emphasized that their badge is a commitment to uphold the law with fairness and compassion.

“Today, as you all stand and showcase your uniforms and badges for the first time, let me inform you all that these badges are not merely a symbol of authority,” he stated. “ It is a commitment to uphold the law with fairness and compassion. It is a promise to protect and serve, to listen and to learn, and to act with integrity even when faced with adversities.”

He further told the new officers that the true measure of a police officer is not in the enforcement of the law, but in the respect and the trust they earn from those whom they serve.

“As you embark on this journey I encourage you to embrace the values of empathy and understanding. Every interaction, good or bad, you are faced with will shape the perception of law enforcement in your community,” Timothy urged. “Approach each situation with a heart and a willingness to listen. Remember that behind every call for service is a person, a mother, a father, a child who deserves your respect and compassion.”

And though the initial training has come to an end, he urged them to be mindful that their probationary period is still ongoing and can be extended or he/she can be dismissed if they do not meet the required performance level.

“I urge you to push, do not stop working [and] always put your best in anything that you do, because you never know when an opportunity will come knocking at your door and therefore you must always be ready to grab that opportunity,” Timothy said.

This year, with the ever-changing demand on the police to deliver full and effective service to the public and to ensure that the CDPF remains fully prepared for these changes, Timothy revealed that two new areas of focus were included in the recruits’ syllabus, “community policing and internal security.”

They also completed several training modules in both academics and practical skills to include, administration, court and court duties, crime and crime investigations, traffic laws and traffic duties, juvenile justice and juvenile care and protection, first aid, physical training, self-defense, community policing, internal security, sociology and psychology among others,

“These students learnt to navigate complex scenarios, make split-second decisions, and work collaboratively as a team,” Timothy explained. “Each dream, each lecture, each simulation, each moment of reflection, has prepared them for the responsibilities that lie ahead.”

He encouraged them to put all the energy that they executed during training into their work as police officers.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit called on the new officers to expand their view of their role to include ambassadorship.

“As police officers you are now protectors of the national image and champions of public safety,” he said. “You must see yourselves as ambassadors of the peace and stability that drives Dominica’s progress as an attractive destination for investment and opportunity.”

He acknowledged that the police on their own cannot tackle the issue of crime.

“To successfully combat crime the community and the police must work collaboratively,” he noted.

The Prime Minister encourages the CDPF to keep pushing forward with the community-oriented policing initiative.

“And you, the newest members of the police force, I am asking you to really take this to heart. As you step into this new job you are also expected to become a trusted presence in your communities,” he said. “You must be someone people know and can turn to. It is about being visible, being approachable, and building real relationships with the people you serve, whether it is the guys on the block or the elderly who are especially vulnerable.”

“When you connect with your communities you will be in a better position to understand the issues on the ground that help find real, lasting solutions,” Skerrit added.

Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jeffrey James reminded the new officers that they are mandated to adopt a community-oriented approach to policing.

“Policing is not just about maintaining order, it is about building trust, fostering relationships, and serving with empathy,” he advised. “Be firm against crime, but compassionate in your duty. True security is not imposed. It is earned through respect, partnership, and service.”

He added, “Remember the law lies not in its enforcement alone, but in the righteousness with which it is applied.”

Furthermore, he told the officers that the road ahead may test them, “but let your training values and sense of duty guide you.”

Awardees:

Best Recruit & Best at Police Duty Subject – 348 PC Travis Charles

First Runner Up & Best at Physical Training (Male) – 132 PC Lyndon Anderson Maximea

Best at Self-Defense – 360 PC Daren Marie

Best at Drills – 73 PC Jhai Droy Louis

Best at Physical Training (Female) – 518 WPC Theresa Nelson

Best Shot – 123 PC Akhil Nyaile Travis Langlais

Best at Weapon Training – 371 PC Patrick Bethelmie

Best Turned Out (Female) – 489 WPC Jacinta Jerline Ulysses

Best Turned Out (Male) – 21 PC Ordel Shanran Robin