Some 159 new recruits into the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) have officially begun a six-month period of intense training at the Police Academy.
The new recruits—Batch 1 of 2023—entered the Academy’s compound yesterday (January 8, 2024) following an orientation exercise last week, on Friday 5 January 2024.
At the orientation ceremony, the recruits were given words of encouragement and inspiration by senior officers in the Police Service and at the Police Academy.
An official release from the Police Service reports that Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher, and the TTPS Executive extended best wishes to Batch 1, as they began “the next chapter of their journey to be police officers.”
ACP-Administration Junior Benjamin during his feature address, told the new recruits they were “born for this job”. Making an acronym out of the word POLICE, he said all police officers must possess the following traits: Purpose, Objectives, Learning Mind-Set, Integrity, Commitment and Excellence.
ACP-Administration Junior Benjamin, as he delivered the feature address at the Orientation Ceremony for the new recruits of Batch 1 of 2023, at the Police Academy on Friday 5 January 2024. [Image courtesy TTPS]
ACP Benjamin also reminded the recruits that it is never too late to change, learn, dream or make a difference in the lives of others.
The Academy’s Provost, Dr Simon Alexis, made it clear to the new trainees that policing is a serious profession.
“You are expected to harness what is learned here at the Academy and be a professional in the field, so if you go out on duty and do not perform or deliver in the way you were trained, the TTPS and the Academy cannot be blamed,” he said, as he reminded Batch 1 that the TTPS is a noble institution.
Meanwhile, another faculty member, Snr. Supt. Natasha George urged the Batch 1 recruits to forge strong bonds with their peers, as the camaraderie and mutual support gained during their training will be an invaluable asset to them throughout their career.
“Teamwork is essential in the profession of policing,” she said.