Recruitment process to be more rigorous
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – BECAUSE of integrity issues being experienced by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the organization is tightening up on its recruitment processes to include polygraph and psychological testing.
Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley informed the media of the impending changes yesterday (Feb. 23) at the High Command’s first press conference for the year.
He said human resource is still a challenge and that they are expecting “to attract the brightest and best talent” during recruitment.
The vetting process – he explained – would include background checks, some of which would be done on a clandestine level.
“We have decided that there is the need – because of integrity issues that we are uncovering on a frequent basis - to go that step further and have the polygraph testing done. We have in…our Police Force four trained polygraphers, three of whom recently returned from the advanced training maybe about two weeks ago. And so we have decided, going forward, that’s the way to go. And I can say very shortly…we would be introducing the psychological assessment to determine suitability.
“Because there is a lot of trauma; this is very high-stress job and we got to make sure we have the right mix and the right fit.”
Queeley said the Force has already been in communication with a polygraphist and should have word on his availability shortly.
And while there is no legislation that speaks to polygraphing, he informed that that is currently being worked on and for the time being, there is “Force policy” which drives or governs the process.
The Commissioner informed that drug screening for existing members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force would begin shortly, and that these processes would also include members of the High Command.
“We have a system in place of random drug testing and we also do screening. As a matter of fact, we have already indicated to the persons who head the various units, that those testings will commence shortly after the persons return from the advanced polygraph training. But we have given some priority to the recruit training and as soon as that is completed, we would move with the varying departments.
“…I believe in starting at the top. And as such, all the persons are here, there are senior officers there… we have already said to them all senior officers will be vetted… We expect that to be done shortly.”
Queeley said psychological testing would also be performed on senior officers.
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