The RCIPS welcomed the first RCIPS Recruit Class of 2018 last week. An official swearing-in ceremony for the eleven new local constable recruits was held last Thursday, 1 February. The oaths were administered by the Commissioner of Police and witnessed by members of the Senior Command Team.

The swearing in marks the beginning of their 17-week intensive training course, after which the recruits will receive on-the-job training during a two-year probationary period. At the end of their probation, they could be posted in units such as criminal investigation, traffic, marine, air operations, financial crime, family support, or the K-9 unit, based on operational needs and priorities.

All of the new recruits are young and active members of the local communities in which they live, and have expressed a keen motivation for a policing career.

“I believe that policing is about service. Service to your fellow officers, and service to the citizens of the community,” said new recruit, PC Bennard Ebanks, whose father also served as an Inspector in the RCIPS. “To be a police officer means answering the call most others would ignore, regardless of inconvenience or harm. I am proud that I’ve earned the privilege of calling myself a constable.”

The recruits were chosen after a local recruitment drive which concluded late last year. After confirmation of minimum qualifications, including possession of Caymanian status (or permanent residency through marriage to a Caymanian), and passage of a written exam, interview, fitness test and vetting, the eleven candidates were offered spaces in the recruit class.

The Police Constable recruits are also joined by eight new local Auxiliary Constable recruits, who recently completed a course tailored specifically for Auxiliary Constables. This course gives them the training necessary to allow them to function and support a range of police services including conducting visible community patrols, serving at the detention centre and covering special events.

“We are extremely proud to have such a great group of new recruits in this class who have all made the decision to serve the community they are a part of,” said Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne.

In addition to the new recruits, the Training and Development Unit of the RCIPS has recently added two new very experienced civilian trainers to its staff. These trainers will play a pivotal role in giving the new recruits the best training possible.

IMAGES:

1. The RCIPS Senior Command Team address the 2018 Recruit Class
2. The Recruit Class is sworn in by Commissioner of Police, Derek Byrne
3. Commissioner of Police, Derek Byrne, shakes hands with one of the new recruits