BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MORE than 30 current and former Police Officers who would have dedicated 18 years of exemplary service to the Federation through the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force will be the guests of honour at a ceremony to take place on Thursday (Nov. 3).
The ceremony will be held at the Ocean Terrace Inn beginning from 5:00 p.m. and is part of the Police Force’s 2016 Police Week, which is being observed under the theme “Creating a Better Federation through Enhanced Citizen Safety”.
SKNVibes understands that according to law, once an officer would have attained 18 years of uninterrupted service, he or she is eligible for consideration to be issued a medal commensurate of the service.
The criteria for consideration, according to Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley, is not only the 18 years of service but one must have maintained good conduct during those years.
CoP Queeley, who took command of the organization earlier in the year, told SKNVibes that prior to him taking that position, the last time such an awards ceremony was held in 2008. He explained that having taken command of the Force he was insistent that regular evaluations be undertaken and the deserving officers be issued their medals.
Under Queeley’s command, one such ceremony was held on May 2016 and Thursday’s will be the second.
He told SKNVibes that the initiative is important not only because it recognizes and applauds long service, but it “boosts the morale of the members of the Police Force and it also encourages and promotes consistently good behaviour among the ranks of the organization”.
A mixture of males, females and retired officers are expected to be honoured at the event.
