St Kitts: Police officers receive training in national, regional and international security

National Security Adviser, Retired Major General Stewart Saunders recently wrapped up a three-day training course with Police inspectors, sergeants and corporals on threats to national, regional and international security.

The workshop was held at the conference room at Her Majesty's Customs and Excise Department Headquarters from November 20 to 22. The activity is part of an ongoing effort to improve efficiency in the Police Force. Major General (Ret.) Saunders explained that the training was one of several that were planned.

"I had the privilege of sitting on a panel of interviewers who were examining persons who were to be elevated from the rank of sergeant to inspector. And during that particular event the panel noted that there were some weaknesses, as far as the candidates were concerned. There were knowledge gaps and so we decided that we would try and fill these knowledge gaps going forward."

As a result, one of the aims of the training is to ensure that all senior Officers are fully aware of the threats confronting the Federation. He added that by building the capacity of Officers, it would improve the performance of the entire Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. The Major General (Ret.) said that the approach started with the current group of Police recruits in training.

"I have been working with the Police for quite some time and earlier this year we had a look at the training syllabus for the recruit intake. And in discussions with the Police it was decided that I should come in and give them a lecture on a very pertinent area, which was threats to national, regional and international security which is critical to how they perform their functions. I did that lecture early on in October I think it was."