Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas (left) presents the award for 'Students with the Highest Marks' to Special Constable Leesha McPherson (right) and Constable Lincoln Dell at the police graduation and passing-out parade held at the Police Academy in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, on Wednesday. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
THE POLICE force got a much-needed boost with the addition of 181 recruits at the Jamaica Police Academy in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, on Wednesday.
There was also an announcement that the training period of future recruiting exercises will be extended to one year, instead of eight months.
The batch, which comprised 52 special constables and 129 regulars, were given a sound warning by Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas to adhere to standards of honesty and integrity in their daily activities.
Commissioner Thomas also told the gathering that the force was embarking on a drive to get the best minds in the organisation.
"We are going to get persons who are qualified for the job, instead of thinking about height, as there are people who have the requisite qualities. We will be looking for persons like those who are very good for the direction in which the force is heading. And we will be extending the training period from the average eight months to one year," Commissioner Thomas said.
Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, echoed the sentiments of the commissioner and implored the graduating class to "endeavour to do their best as they are needed in the Jamaica in which they now live".
Several of the graduates were given special awards for doing well in certain fields. Student Constable Leesha McPherson of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) and Constable Lincoln Dell won awards for the highest individual averages registered in the course of over 84 per cent.
It is the second time since 1984 that members of the ISCF and the Jamaica Constabulary Force have held a combined graduation ceremony.
