The official start of the two-year police training for eleven new aspiring offi­cers of the Caribbean Neth­erlands Police Force KPCN and seven aspiring officers of the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM, took place on St. Maarten, on Monday, Janu­ary 27, according to a press release from the KPCN.

During a ceremony at the Police Station in Philipsburg, speeches were given by St. Maarten Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, Police Academy Caribbean Coor­dinator Jan-Willem Ruts, KPCN Chief of Police Alwyn Braaf and KPSM Chief of Police Carl John.

The speakers emphasised the importance of the pro­fession the aspiring officers had opted for and reminded them that the police profes­sion is rooted in service to the community. Integrity was emphasised as a fundamen­tal value they must maintain in their future role. Aspiring officers were encouraged to remain steadfast in their commitment to protect and serve with honour and dedi­cation.

Also present at the ceremo­ny were the KPSM manage­ment team, KPCN operation department chief Clark Mer­cera, KPCN education co­ordinator Rouel Pinedo and the teachers and mentors who will guide and support the students during their ed­ucation on St. Maarten.

The new aspiring officers, under the responsibility of the Police Academy, will undergo intensive training over the next two years, in which they will become acquainted with the various aspects of police work such as conduct­ing surveillance, investigat­ing crimes and providing emergency assistance.

The 11 new aspiring officers for the Caribbean Nether­lands will follow the theoreti­cal part of the police training in St. Maarten and the prac­tical experience on Bonaire. On completion of the train­ing, these aspiring officers will be in possession of a police diploma on MBO-4 level, after which they will be fully deployable on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force wishes the as­piring officers good luck with their training.

The Daily Herald.