The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Thirty-six new police officers joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force on Wednesday following a graduation and passing-out ceremony at the Police Training College in Grand Bahama.

Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles told graduates of C-Squad 2026 that the badges they wear do not place them above the law.

“The badge you will wear carries the authority of the law, but it does not place you above the law,” she stressed.

“Your badge may give you authority, but your character will determine how that authority is respected.”

Commissioner Knowles said integrity, courage, loyalty, discipline, respect and fairness were not optional qualities but essential requirements for anyone pursuing a career in policing.

She encouraged the recruits to be confident, decisive and courageous in carrying out their responsibilities while exercising sound judgment and restraint and treating everyone with dignity.

“You will encounter individuals who are angry, disrespectful, uncooperative, and at times openly hostile, but do not allow another person’s behaviour to dictate your professionalism. You are the trained professional in that encounter, and I expect you to conduct yourselves accordingly,” Commissioner Knowles said.

“Be firm without being oppressive, be compassionate without compromising the law, be fair without showing favouritism, be courageous enough to do what is right even when doing so is unpopular. Never confuse the power to enforce the law with permission to abuse the people you are sworn to protect.”

She warned that there was no place in the organization for dishonesty, corruption, unnecessary aggression or conduct that undermined public confidence.

“I will support my officers. I will support those who act lawfully, professionally and in good faith. But I will hold accountable those who deliberately disregard the standards of this institution.”

Commissioner Knowles also cautioned recruits about their associations and use of social media, reminding them that their conduct, both on and off duty, could affect their reputations and public confidence in the police force.

“One careless decision, one dishonest act, or one moment of poor judgment can destroy a reputation that has taken years to establish. So, protect your name. Protect your integrity and protect the confidence that has been placed in you,” she said.

She challenged the new officers to become approachable and dependable members of their communities, particularly those who would be assigned to serve in the Family Islands.

Commissioner Knowles urged the recruits never to allow the uniform to change the good people they were before joining the force.

“Instead, let your service in that uniform make you a better person and the Bahamas a better place,” she said.

During the ceremony, Recruit Constable 1117 Courtney Russell received the Commandant’s Award for achieving the highest grade point average.

The Baton of Honour was presented to Recruit Constable 1087 Anwar Coakley, who was named overall best recruit for his academic performance and excellence across all training disciplines.

Commissioner Knowles said she was pleased with the standard of training demonstrated by the new officers and expressed confidence in their ability to serve Grand Bahama.

“I’m well pleased with the training that I’ve seen over the past six months with this group of officers,” she said.

Commissioner Knowles also announced that two squads would graduate in New Providence on Friday, including an all-female squad.

She said the development reflected continued interest among Bahamian women in pursuing careers in law enforcement.

She stressed that female applicants were required to meet the same standards as their male counterparts and received no special consideration during recruitment or training.

“They must qualify by themselves to do so. And so there is no special pass for them to get into the organisation. They are required to go through the very same fitness, the very same classroom studies to be able to reach this occasion,” she said.

Senator Wayne Munroe, Minister of Legal Affairs, delivered remarks on behalf of Minister of National Security Myles Laroda, who was unable to attend.

He reminded the graduates that public safety depended on professionalism, sound judgment and the trust of the communities they serve.

Mr Munroe urged them to take their preparation seriously, noting that mistakes in investigations, evidence handling and the use of force could have serious consequences for people’s lives and their confidence in the justice system.

He stressed that policing was not simply about making arrests, but about ensuring that justice was properly served.

“The objective is not simply to make an arrest. It is to do the work properly so justice can be done,” he said.