National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds expressed concern that while thousands show up at police recruitment centres hoping for a job, many failed to meet the basic criteria for entry. Here is more in this report from Gyasi Gonzales.
00:00National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hines delivered the feature address on Friday at the Passing Out Parade for Batch 1 of 2024.
00:08The ceremony marked the entry of 86 men and 24 women into the ranks of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:15Hines highlighted that, unlike some smaller islands, Trinidad and Tobago's population was large enough to staff the service without recruiting foreigners.
00:24That thousands would show up at the named recruitment centers.
00:31But for us, there is another problem.
00:35Many of those who are interested are unable to meet some of the most basic criteria for entry.
00:46Whether it is the basic qualification of five CSEC, so-called CXC, passes, inclusive of math and English,
00:59or whether it is the basic physical standards of height or visible tattoos,
01:08the Commission of Police recently indicated that many who approached could not pass the necessary drug tests,
01:19psychometric and or polygraph tests that are necessary to cross the line.
01:28Despite these challenges, he insisted that standards must not be lowered.
01:33While these challenges persist, Hines stated that the public expects the police service to be adequately trained, equipped, professional, disciplined,
01:42and to possess a strong work ethic.
01:45He emphasized that this is essential not only to gain public trust and confidence, but also to maintain it.
01:52Addressing the new officers directly, Hines offered this advice.
01:56Do not allow family ties or kinship, friendship, brinkmanship, gossip, or any other relationship to influence your professional actions and decisions.
02:16Be alert, independent-minded, honest, and fair.
02:24The event was held at the Police Service Academy.
02:27However, Police Commissioner Eula Herewood-Christopher did not address the parade.
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