Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has announced that recruitment is already underway for the next intake of police officers, urging men and women committed to public service to join the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

The announcement came during the graduation ceremony for the 50th Recruit Training Course at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy, where 43 recruits completed the six-month training programme and officially entered the force. The graduates achieved an overall pass rate of 95.6 percent.

As the new officers prepared to begin their careers, Jeffers said the force was already looking ahead to training its next class.

“As we continue to improve our services, we look forward to the next graduation batch of officers as the recruitment process has already started,” he said. “I’ve mentioned before we’re looking for a few good men and women who are committed to serving their country.”

The commissioner said the force is seeking individuals who understand that policing is a profession of service rather than simply a job.

“As your Commander in Chief, it is important that I let you know that policing is not only an eight-hour job. It is not for clock watchers or those who simply look forward to a paycheck,” Jeffers told the graduates. “Today, you’re not just simply receiving a certificate of completion. You are accepting a sacred trust.”

He said recruits must be prepared to uphold the highest professional standards while earning the confidence of the public.

“We need men and women who have what it takes to be good police officers,” Jeffers said. “We need men and women who are dependable, courteous, polite and sensitive to the needs of others.”

The commissioner added that officers must remain composed under pressure and demonstrate professionalism in every interaction with the public.

“Men and women who, even in the face of adversity, can keep their composure and remain professionals as ambassadors,” he said, adding that officers’ attitudes should reflect the quality of training they received at the academy.

Jeffers said the Royal Police Force continues to modernize through investments in technology and specialized training, including additional K-9 units capable of detecting firearms, explosives and narcotics, the acquisition of a ballistic identification system, and training in advanced radio communications, unmanned aerial systems and white-collar crime investigations.

He told the graduates that while the force continues to expand its capabilities, its success ultimately depends on attracting people who are committed to serving Antigua and Barbuda with integrity and professionalism.

“We will continue striving for excellence every step of the way,” Jeffers said. “Our aim… is to remain an inclusive organisation that incorporates the public and the communities we serve.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Jeffers Announces New Police Recruitment Drive, Urges Public-Spirited Men and Women to Apply.