BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- The twenty-six new police officers who graduated last evening, February 13, have been reminded that they are now part of the crime-fighting initiative in the Federation, as they celebrated their success following six months of hard training.
The graduation comes at a time when the Federation is seeing a surge in gun violence, which has many across the country concerned. The Police, in their quest to stem the problem, have seized several illegal weapons and ammunition from various individuals in the country. Now, the new recruits will fall in line to continue to combat the flow of illegal weapons and ensure law and order prevail.
The Federation has recorded five homicides for 2024, with the latest occurring in the wee hours of Wednesday in Sandy Point.
In his address, Commissioner of Police, James Sutton underscored the priority areas for the police in combating the challenges facing the nation when it comes to crime and violence - noticeably the upsurge in gun violence. He pointed the officers to the Force’s Seven-Point Plan, which forms part of the Police Strategic Plan 2023-2026, under which Human Resource Development is a pillar.
“We will work assiduously so that these goals are realized or achieved. But we cannot do it alone. We will work together. We will work together to achieve our goals and objectives,” Sutton stated, as he reminded the 26 officers that being part of the force is not a job but rather a calling to serve and protect.
National Security Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, in congratulating the officers, described them as diligent individuals who have now taken up the responsibility to serve and protect the Federation.
“Recruits, as you stand on the cusp of assuming your responsibilities as enforcers of law and order and guardians of the people, I urge you to embrace and embody the core values of integrity, professionalism, and compassion that embody the essence of policing," Dr Drew said.
According to law enforcement officials, this is one of the courses where the number of women graduates outnumbered their male counterparts. There were a total of 16 females graduates and 10 males spread across both St. Kitts and Nevis.
