From HMCIPS

In October 2015 Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service invited 7 young, bright candidates to join a recruit training class. To call this group the cream of the crop is an understatement. These 7 individuals out-tested, out-ran and out-interviewed over 400 other applicants to earn their place in the final selection.

The group is about half way through the intensive 8 week training programme. They have been exposed to a great deal of learning in critical areas including but not limited to: prison policy and procedures, rehabilitation strategies, control and restraint techniques, how to conduct searches, and the critical elements required to maintain good order and discipline within the Prison environment.

Of the 7 recruits, 6 of those selected are Caymanians/Permanent Residents. This is a positive step forward for the Prison Service which historically has found it difficult to recruit qualified Caymanians. The Prison Director was extremely pleased with this change of events noting that the Prison Service is eager to attract and train ‎young local recruits to assume the difficult and sometimes dangerous work that a Prison Officer is expected to deliver.

‘I am so pleased that young Caymanians have stepped up to the challenge and have shown their drive and determination to attain these positions’.

In addition to the theory and practical application of Prison Craft, the recruits are also learning Drill. The Recruits are pictured below in 3 weeks of Drill Instruction designed to teach them discipline, quick response, following instructions, working as a part of a team and taking pride in their appearance and performance. The Prison Service is known for high standards in this area and Drill Instructor, Prison Officer Randolph Scott says this group has several good prospects to add to the well-established team.

The recruits are expected to complete their training in a few more weeks after which they will begin observing and understudying seasoned officers in the prisons.