NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – Six months of early mornings, long days, tough training and probably a few moments of wondering what they signed up for – 56 new recruits are officially trading in their training gear for the real thing, as they join the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Our Chinasa Outten takes us inside a graduation ceremony where the excitement was certainly contagious.
Well if there was ever a night to celebrate hard work, determination and a little bit of relief, this was certainly it. Zfter six months of rigorous training 56 recruits have officially graduated and are now joining the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Twenty-six officers from A squad and another 30 from B squad, adding fresh faces to a force that has been working to close a significant manpower gap.
Now, we all know these graduations are serious business but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t room for a little entertainment. From drills and impressive band performances to skits depicting real life policing scenarios, the recruits certainly put on a show.
But while the officers were busy showing off everything they had learned, there was another group stealing the spotlight – the families.
Proud parents, children, relatives and friends filled the grounds of the Police Training College – cheering on their loved ones.
For Constable 968 Hepburn of A squad, there was one very special person in the audience who made the entire journey worthwhile.
“Raising a young male in our society, i wanted to give him someone who he can look up to. So if i could do it, i want him to know he can do it as well. Was he out here tonight watching? Yes, he is, and I can imagine that excitement for him. It felt great.”
But while Hepburn was soaking in the moment with her son watching proudly, her counterpart from B squad Constable 1028 Munroe, was celebrating a different kind of victory.
Six months of discipline, pressure and demanding training had finally paid off.
While he says the experience helped shape him, there was one thing he was particularly looking forward to.
“It’s good. I had some ups and downs. It’s very challenging, but it molded me to be the person i am today. I can’t wait to get home to sleep in my own bed.”
As these recruits prepare to step out of the training environment and into communities across the country, we wanted to know whats next?
And interestingly enough, their answers were nearly in sync.
“Be a great officer. probation officers often fall short, so i hope that A and B squad can be the change that we do need in our country.”
“I will try to be a great officer, and i will use everything i’ve learned here to make a better impact in the community.”
Now, 56 officers won’t close a 2,000 officer manpower gap overnight but it’s a start as the force continues its recruitment process.
And while the country looks forward to seeing these new officers out on the streets, I think some of their families are just happy to have them back home!
