Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 15, 2016 (SKNIS): Fourteen members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) and two members of Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department spent the last two weeks engaged in an intense course that sought to enhance their ability to extract pertinent information from witnesses and suspects.
The course was held from February 01 to 12 at the Police Training Complex and was facilitated by John Bailey, who said a course like this would typically last at least three weeks in the United Kingdom.
Corporal Hyacinth Taylor said the Investigative Interview Course 1/2016 was useful as it strengthened the participants’ interpersonal communication skills including building closer relationships with people, understanding feelings or ideas, active listening and the ability to effectively detect verbal and non-verbal cues.
“Having this knowledge is beneficial to both law enforcement and the general public,” she noted, referencing the importance of honest and accurate witness reporting. “This would help the justice system to operate more effectively, prevent victimization, [and] enhance the public’s trust in law enforcement.”
Customs Officer, Glenroy Phillip, echoed similar sentiments and said the techniques learnt have proven successful in international cases and is a best practice, even when used in extreme cases such as terrorism.
Commissioner of Police, Ian Queeley, commended the facilitator John Bailey for expertly compressing the material into two weeks. He also saluted the participants and referenced the Police Strategic Plan 2016-2019 and the Improved Service Delivery Plan 2015- 2016 which guides their overall activities.
“In order for the execution of the plans to be effective, the individuals who are tasked with delivering this service must be properly trained and equipped,” he noted, explaining the investments made towards such are well worth it.
“It (the training) will be your building block,” Commissioner Queeley stated. “It will be another tool that will serve you well in your future assignments as police officers.”
The closing ceremony was attended by Osmond Petty, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Clifford Govia, Force Personnel Officer of the RSCNPF.
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