Forty-two Special Constables are playing an important role in Anguilla’s border security – alongside Police, Customs and Immigration Officers – to prevent illegal entry into the island and the spread of the covid-19 disease.
A number of the obviously proud Special Constables, who were on duty, were introduced to The Anguillian newspaper by Commissioner of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Mr. Paul Morrison. They were accompanied by members of the Management Committee and two of the new Police Recruits.
Commenting on the need for the Special Constables to help protect Anguilla’s borders, Commissioner Morrison told the newspaper: “We turned our attention to the Police Act where, under section 71, we are permitted, with the approval of the Governor, to recruit Special Constables. We put together a plan initially to recruit 28 but, given the demand placed on the police service, we increased that number. We now have 42 sworn Special Candidates to assist with the delivery of policing services to keep our island safe.
“We commend the number of persons who put themselves forward to protect Anguilla. Over 240 persons applied for the initial 28 posts and we were humbled by such a response. It was a very difficult task and a huge credit to the Deputy Commissioner, Elliot Forbes, the Superintendent, Haslyn Patterson, and the Inspector, CID, Randolph Yearwood, for whittling down that number to 84 persons who were all invited to be interviewed, although not all were successful.
“It was an absolute delight to interview all of them, and we now have 42 Special Constables who have signed the Code of Ethics and the Confidentiality Agreements which are the promises that we make as Police Officers for our time in and outside the service. They underwent three days of training and we are now providing at least one day’s training a week. Next week they will be doing police safety training when they are out on the street. We have also taken on further responsibility at Her Majesty’s Prison West for persons detained as illegal entrants.”
While a number of the Special Constables were at the meeting with The Anguillian newspaper, the others were on rest days, Commissioner Morrison stated. “Their duties include travelling in the patrol boats; being spotters on aeroplanes; working within the prison service; supporting operational policing; and working and supporting some of the police departments in terms of their specialist skills. A lot of the members of the Special Constabulary have their own unique specialist skills which we can use.”
The Special Constables have been employed for three months – until in July, but there is a possibility that some, if not all, may later retain some link to the Police Force. “When they leave in July, we will maintain a commitment to give them training every month,” the Commissioner said. “We have every intention to maintain their skill levels so that in the case of big events, such as Anguilla Day, carnival and other operational requirements – where it makes it safer to have extra persons – we will ask them whether they wish to come back. If so, they would be sworn in for short periods in order to support those operations.”
The Commissioner disclosed that some 268,000 EC dollars, provided by the UK Government, was being used for the employment of the Special Constables. It is understood that a separate amount of 840,000 dollars was being paid per month for the land, air and sea patrols involving local planes, boats and individuals.
