BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Moonlighters of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) whose alternative employment is in the security field were given 48 hours to take action with a view to resigning from those posts or face the consequences.
SKNVibes was informed that the warning was given by Commissioner of Police (COP) Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn during his recent “Commissioner’s Lecture” held at the Basseterre Police Station Recreation Room on September 14, 2011.
The information which this media house initially received suggested that the Commissioner gave the officers an “ultimatum” to resign from their second (security) jobs within 48 hours or face disciplinary action.
This publication made contact with COP Walwyn who explained that he doesn’t give ultimatums but rather acts in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the organisation which he runs.
He explained that the regulations outline the different alternative jobs which police officers are not allowed to have.
“I didn’t give an ultimatum. It’s in the police regulations under Regulation 92, subsection 7, sub-subsection I. So it’s not an ultimatum. They were told that they cannot violate policy. I told them that they have 48 hours to let their employers know that they can no longer work that job because within 48 hours, we were sending out a letter to let the officers know that this is a violation of policy and it will not be tolerated. I don’t give ultimatums, I follow regulations and that is a violation of the regulations…I didn’t make it up, I came and I met it and it’s going to be enforced.
The particular section which COP Walwyn made mention of (Regulation No. 92 subsection 7) reads, “Notwithstanding the provisions of this regulation, a police officer shall not apply for and shall not be granted permission to engage in any of the following activities whether or not for pay or other consideration (i) private security guard…”
SKNVibes understands that several police officers, who may be unable to meet their monthly commitments, depend on their second jobs to make ends meet. While that is so, however, Commissioner Walwyn says rules are rules and they must be adhered to.
“My only focus is the regulations and violations of the regulations and I addressed that and that was my only concern. You cannot expect me to know everybody’s financial obligations. I have obligations myself but I am not going to violate the policy.”
