Barbados’ 29 newest special constables are preparing to take up policing duties after completing a nine-week training programme at the Regional Police Training Centre in Christ Church on Thursday, with senior officers urging them to uphold integrity and public trust as they enter service.
Certificates were presented during a closing ceremony by RPTC Commandant Rdney Archer, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Adrian Broomes and Acting Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce, marking the end of what officials described as intensive physical, academic and practical training.
The Best Recruit Overall award was given to SC541 Angus Harry.
Best Recruit Overall SC541 Angus Harry receiving reward from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ag) Sonia Boyce. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, SC546 Shakera Howard reflected on the demands of the programme, which began on April 8.
SC546 Shakera Howard. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
“The journey tested us physically, mentally, and emotionally, but also strengthened us in ways we never imagined,” she said.
SC Howard said recruits endured early morning fatigues, demanding fitness tests, firearms training, legal studies and practical policing exercises, while learning “the importance of integrity, professionalism, and the responsible use of authority.”
She added: “We entered these gates as individuals, and today we leave as a unified team ready to support and be part of the wider service.”
Deputy Commandant and course coordinator Lawrence Collymore said the training was designed to prepare recruits for the realities of policing.
“You are no longer the recruits who arrived in early April. You are trained special constables ready to uphold the mission and the vision of the service,” he said.
Deputy Commandant Collymore urged the graduates to “maintain your integrity,” continue learning and never lose sight of service, reminding them that “every interaction with a member of the public is an opportunity to build trust and strengthen confidence in policing.”
Commandant Archer stressed that policing must be seen as a vocation centred on service.
“If you are a person that is not service-oriented, you are in the wrong organization,” he said.
“The majority of our complaints of unprofessionalism revolve around service.”
He told the graduates that the Barbados Police Service had invested in them and expected a return through professionalism, discipline and strong performance.
“You must never see yourself as a master; you are a servant,” he said, encouraging the officers to seek positive role models and avoid shortcuts.
Delivering the feature address, ACP Broomes welcomed the graduates into what he described as a “noble institution” whose history of service dates back to 1835.
“I welcome you into the commitment of a higher calling to serve,” he said.
“You are expected now to stand in the gap for the underprivileged. You are expected to stand in the gap and to be the arm of the weak, the vulnerable, and the exploited.”
ACP Broomes said policing is “not merely a profession” but “a vocation rooted in trust, empathy, and accountability”, adding that public confidence is shaped by daily interactions.
“Every interaction you have with a citizen, it either strengthens or weakens our legitimacy,” he said.
“Your professionalism, your courtesy, your compassion will determine how the public perceive our badge numbers.”
He also encouraged the graduates to embrace community-based policing, noting that effective law enforcement depends on relationships with residents, schools, churches and community groups.
The recruits were trained in law, investigations, communication, community engagement, self-defence, firearms handling and physical fitness before taking up their duties within the Barbados Police Service.
(LE)
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