RCIPS launches 2021 recruitment training

On Monday, 22 November, the RCIPS Training and Development Unit (TDU) began a training class of 23 new recruits, who have begun their journey to becoming police constables within the RCIPS.

The Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne led the commencement and swearing in ceremony for the new recruits, 16 of whom are young Caymanians.

“It is a significant benefit to the service and the wider community to see such a strong number of young Caymanian men and women putting themselves forward to serve their community as police officers,” Commissioner Byrne said.

Amongst the recruits are 16 men and seven women, including six current auxiliary constables with the RCIPS who, after successfully completing the programme, will convert to police constables.

“New recruits represent a new generation, who can contribute new ways of thinking and different approaches to how the RCIPS serves the people of the Cayman Islands, and help to increase the level of professionalism in the service,” added Commissioner Byrne. “As members of the community that we serve, you also bring with your knowledge and insight into that community, and we welcome your input.”

Throughout the 17-week training programme, which was developed and is being led by the TDU, the officers will receive lessons from various units within the service as well as from partnering agencies. They will receive training and lectures on ethics, customer service as well as on the values of the RCIPS (Respect, Courtesy, Integrity, Professionalism and Service), and will be completing coursework on the laws of the Cayman Islands and other material needed in the field. They will also be expected to complete their physical at the end of the course.

In addition, between 13 December and 4 January, the officers will all be assigned to the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit alongside experienced officers to amplify police visibility during the busy holiday season, assisting with Operation Quaker’s tactical delivery, and giving them first-hand experience on the front line.

“This will be an invaluable opportunity for in the field training for recruits,” said Superintendent Adrian Seales, who is in charge of the TDU. “They will get a first-hand experience of being a police officer during one of the most challenging times of the year and will be receiving tutelage from some of our finest officers on the best way to achieve our mission of making the Cayman Islands safer.”

In addition to the 23 police recruits, a trainee investigator with the Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will also undergo the training programme.

All 24 personnel were sworn in by Commissioner Byrne, who also spoke with them about the organisation’s expectations of them, encouraging them to do well and give the training their best. The RCIPS’ objectives of securing the Cayman Islands, ensuring safer communities and delivering a professional service were emphasised to the recruits, along with the overall message that policing is first and foremost, a community service. These objectives form the core themes of the training programme.