RCIPS recruits sworn in

(CNS Local Life): The first RCIPS recruit class of 2018 was sworn in at a ceremony held Thursday, 1 February. The 11 new local constable recruits will now begin an intensive 17-week training course, after which they will receive on-the-job training during a two-year probationary period. At the end of their probation, they could be posted in criminal investigation, traffic, marine, air operations, financial crime, family support, or the K-9 unit, based on operational needs and priorities.

All of the new recruits are young and active members of the local communities in which they live, and have expressed a keen motivation for a policing career, stated an RCIPS press release.

“I believe that policing is about service,” said new recruit PC Bennard Ebanks, whose father also served as an RCIPS inspector. “Service to your fellow officers, and service to the citizens of the community. To be a police officer means answering the call most others would ignore, regardless of inconvenience or harm. I am proud that I’ve earned the privilege of calling myself a constable.”

The 11 were chosen after a local recruitment drive which concluded late last year. After confirmation of minimum qualifications, including possession of Caymanian status (or permanent residency through marriage to a Caymanian), and passing a written exam, interview, fitness test and vetting, the candidates were offered spaces in the recruit class.

The police constable recruits are joined by eight new local auxiliary constable recruits, who recently completed a course tailored specifically for them. The course gives them the training necessary to allow them to support a range of police services including conducting visible community patrols, serving at the detention centre and covering special events.

“We are extremely proud to have such a great group of new recruits in this class who have all made the decision to serve the community they are a part of,” said Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne.

In addition, the Training and Development Unit of the RCIPS has recently added two experienced civilian trainers to its staff, who will play a pivotal role in giving the new recruits the best training possible, said the release.

Tags: Police recruits, RCIPS

Category: Civil Service, Police