The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

NINETY-ONE new recruits were sworn in at Police Headquarters yesterday in what the government said was a fulfillment of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham's pledge to step up the fight against crime.

During the Golden Isles constituency opening last month, Mr Ingraham ensured FNM supporters that in addition to hiring 434 new police officers, 90 new recruits would join the force.

Addressing the recruits at the ceremony, Assistant Commissioner Hulan Hanna, who is responsible for the Police College, said Commissioner Ellison Greenslade's 2012 policing plan also emphasised increasing the number of officers on the front line to help tackle crime and the fear of crime.

He said: "This is another deposit in maintaining law and order throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

"You all can agree with me that this country is at a crossroads and much is riding on the of the development of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the prevention of crime and in particular violent crimes."

Challenging recruits to strive for excellence, Mr Hanna said it is critically important the "best and brightest" come forward to serve the country.

Commandant of the Police College, Superintendent Steven Adderley, said the recruits are "extremely" important to the crime fighting strategy.

"It adds to the boots on the ground and the visibility to the officers on the street. This is the thrust that the commissioner is looking for," Supt Adderley said.

He said recruit constables will be put through six months of training, which will include courses such as applied sciences, driving and firearm training.

In an effort to increase the police's effectiveness on the streets, Supt Adderley said the college curriculum has recently been updated.

"The commissioner's instruction and wish is as soon as the recruits graduate they are able to go on the front line of policing and so the training is geared toward that fact," he said.

Recruit constable Ashley Black, 21, said she decided to join the force to make a positive impact on her community.

She said: "I feel affected by the escalating crime in this country and I want to do my best to serve the people."

Brian Brown, 22, said: "I really want to help out with the crime situation. I think that talking is not enough, we need to get out and do something about it."

Mr Brown said he hopes that through his example of dedication and loyalty to his calling, he can influence young men in the Bahamas.

"If I can make it in the field they would probably feel they can make it as well," he said.