Cayman Islands: RCIPS 2018 Recruit Class graduates from training to operational duty

Yesterday, 14 June, nine new police officers graduated from training to operational duty.

Before the annual graduation began at the Harquail Theatre, the recruits demonstrated slow and fast marches and gave a royal salute before their inspection by the Acting Governor, Franz Manderson. The class, made up of nine men, has successfully completed seventeen rigorous weeks of training under the Initial Recruit Foundation Course, which provides a firm grounding in the legal, operational, and fitness aspects of the job. Today’s graduation ceremony officially recognizes the end of their foundational training and the beginning of their career as a police officer.

The recruits range in age from 19 to 37, and hail from various academic and professional backgrounds, such as finance, engineering, business, aviation, retail and professional photography. They have expressed interest in the range of diverse careers the RCIPS has to offer, including forensic investigation, air operations and tactical firearms, but above all have joined the RCIPS out of a desire to contribute in a profound way to their communities.

“I understand that the enthusiasm and teamwork of this recruit class has been exceptional, and that you have formed a special comradery and group work ethic,” said Derek Byrne, Commissioner of Police, during his remarks to the recruit class. “This is very encouraging to me, because you represent the next generation of police officers in the Service, who will be among those taking forward the strategic changes we are making to modernize the service. We are relying on you and other young officers in the service, and from what I have seen so far I feel that our confidence is well-placed.”

After graduating and being assigned to police duties, the new constables will embark on a tutored phase of on-the-job training with an experienced officer, during which they will be assessed for their suitability for independent patrolling. Continuous assessments throughout their two-year probationary period will follow, until they are eventually confirmed in rank by the Commissioner.

The RCIPS now accepts applications year-round for local police constables on its new website at www.rcips.ky. The RCIPS also participates regularly at career fairs around the islands and welcomes any questions about the recruitment process or a career in policing at [email protected].

IMAGES:

Photos:
1. The 2018 recruit class pose with their certificates after the graduation ceremony.
2. The 2018 recruit class pose with the Acting Governor and Acting Deputy Governor, RCIPS Senior Command Team, and RCIPS Training Staff.
3. The 2018 recruit class demonstrate their fast and slow marches before being inspected by the Acting Governor.