BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE manpower of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has been indirectly beefed up with 17 officers of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority being given special constable powers.
Recently, the port officers, including constables, corporals and sergeants, were sworn in and conferred powers as Special Constables of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
As expressed in a police press release, the officers completed three days of intense training at the Police Training Complex and are now “better equipped to execute their duties as law enforcement officers...”
They were schooled on topics inclusive of Disciplinary Offences, Classification of Crimes and Powers of Arrest.
Course Facilitator Superintendent Raymond Cotton, in an interview with SKNVibes, explained that the officers now have full police powers including powers of arrest.
The training lasted three days during which, as Cotton explained, courses which police recruits would be exposed to during their months of training were condensed to fit the time frame.
A police press release explained that, “During the brief closing ceremony, the participants expressed pleasure in being able to acquire new knowledge and skills, which will better prepare them to execute their new roles in law enforcement. They all vowed to perform their duties to the best of their ability.”
Press and Public Relations Officer of the Police Force Inspector Cromwell Henry, in speaking with SKNVibes, explained that while the officers are now endowed with full police powers, they are also expected to be guided by the provisions of the law just as other police officers. He said that acting outside the provisions of the law or “over-excising” their power would result in consequences as the law prescribes.
The 17 officers are no longer limited to operating within the confines of the St. Kitts Air and Sea Port Authority and their powers have extended beyond.
