The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is up to its full complement of officers after 18 recruits completed training this month, police announced last week.
The recruits were honoured during the seventh Recruit Training Completion Exercise and Passing Out Parade on Nov. 14 at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College campus.
The event marked the culmination of seven months of intensive training for the 18 recruits, who were sworn in on April 3, according to the Police Information Office.
The programme, which was carried out in partnership with HLSCC, covered academic courses like psychology along with police-duty subjects such as policing tactics, firearms training, swimming and drills.
The ceremony
During the Nov. 14 ceremony, Governor Daniel Pruce and acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool congratulated the recruits and emphasised their important role in upholding law and order in the territory.
Dr. Ronald Brunton, the vice president of academic affairs at HLSCC, praised the collaboration between the college and the police force that enables recruits to be trained here in the territory.
Keynote speaker Arlene Smith-Thompson urged the recruits to lead with courage, empathy and a commitment to justice, according to police.
Among the top recruits was Kedesh Tala, who received the award for Best Recruit, the Baton of Honour, the President’s Award, and the award for Highest Academic Achievement.
Another standout was Kenneth Simmons, who earned the awards for Best All-Around Recruit and Most Disciplined.
Joshua Ramprashad earned the awards for Best at Drills, Best at Physical Fitness, Best Shot and Leadership.
Police Constable Lenisha James was recognised for excellence in academics and conduct, receiving awards for Best at Police Duty Subjects and Department.
Omar Elliston was named Most Improved Recruit, Omar Elliston was named Best at Evidence, Tyrone Edwards earned the Perseverance Award, and Shemika Leteen earned the Police Welfare Association Award.
Killven Samuel was named the Best Swimmer, Andrew Ollivierre the Most Improved Swimmer.
