The thirteen new recruits, enlisted into the Royal Anguilla Police Force, have taken up their duties following their return from the Regional Police Training Centre in Barbados where they attended the initial six-month course. Two other recruits returned to the island earlier without completing the training.
The recruits, who have brought the membership of the Force to 102, were welcomed by Commissioner Rudolph Proctor on Monday, September 16, and reminded about their duties.
Mr Proctor told media representatives: “I have welcomed back to Anguilla thirteen new Police Officers who have just completed their training in Barbados. I am indeed happy to welcome all of them. In 2012 I made an approach to Government asking for additional staff. They gave us fifteen officers but two had to return from training school. The new offices will help the Royal Anguilla Police Force in policing the Anguillian community.
“This now gives us the capacity to improve our patrols and delivery of service in the communities to deal with the crime situation. We are grateful to the Government for allowing us to train the officers who will shortly be assigned to their various shifts, and the Anguillian public will see them on the streets.” He said that as part of their orientation the officers would meet with Her Excellency Governor Christina Scott, who has responsibility for the police, members of the House of Assembly and other persons in the public and private sectors.
Mr Proctor added that he had also requested five additional vehicles, urgently needed by the Police Force, but was still awaiting Government’s approval.