The batch of 448 graduates from the Police Academy, led by their sub-officers, exit the parade ground yesterday during the graduation ceremony at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine. - Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer POLICE COMMISSIONER Francis Forbes yesterday stressed the importance of responsibility to 448 graduates of the Police Academy, saying it was key to a lengthy career in law enforcement.
"When you get out there, choose your friends carefully. There are a lot good policemen and women in your division, use them as your role models. The road out there is rocky, but remember, Jamaica is depending on you," Commissioner Forbes told the graduates.
Yesterday's graduation held at Twickenham saw the largest number of recruits graduated at any one time in the history of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Commandant of the Academy, Senior Superin-tendent Mary Royes-Henry, explained that the group comprised 373 males and 75 females. Of the number, 323 were trained at Eco Village in St. Andrew and 125 trained at the Academy.
GET THE GUNS, INTERCEPT DRUG DEALERS
In complementing the Commissioner's statement, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who delivered the keynote address, told the young officers that the mission must remain to get the guns out of the hands of criminals and drug dealers, apprehending those who unleash violence and terror on the society and strengthen the protection of human rights of the law-abiding citizens of Jamaica.
"There is a lot of talk about human rights of citizens, let us never forget that the members of the security forces are human beings also. Among their rights is the right to life and the right to discharge their duties without being subject to undue attack by terrorists and gunmen," the Prime Minister said.
Mr. Patterson, who is also the Minister of Defence, outlined that the threat to security in Jamaica was not only internal.
TRANS-SHIPMENT VULNERABILITY
"Our geographical location continues to be abused by those who use our territory to trans-ship dangerous drugs and weapons. In the face of this challenge, our ability to maintain the integrity of our nation and society is not dependent solely on the use of firepower, but more so on the mastery of intelligence that is available," the Prime Minister said.
National Security Minister, Peter Phillips, congratulated the graduates and emphasised that they were accepting an obligation, both to their country and family. "There is no limit in your achievement in the JCF, you must learn to value your relation with members of the public and respect their rights," the Minister advised.
He further said the Government was in the process of rebuilding a modernised Police Force, one that is better equipped with more sophisticated technology; a Police Force which is expanded in numbers and improved in mobility.Next month another 450 new recruits will begin training, Minister Phillips said.
