As Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds praised the 110 new officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service during their Passing Out Ceremony on Friday, he also revealed a pressing issue regarding police recruitment.
The Minister stated that while thousands of aspiring recruits apply to join the TTPS each year, many are turned away due to unmet qualifications.
“Whether it is the basic qualification of five CSEC, so-called CXC passes, inclusive of Maths and English, or whether it is the basic physical standards of height, or visible tattoos.”
Minister Hinds noted that the Commissioner of Police recently indicated that many who applied could not pass the necessary drug tests, psychometric, and polygraph tests required to proceed.
“Many failed to meet the standards required when background checks and vetting of necessity was done. Today, for legal, constitutional, and other reasons, some of these matters remain unresolved and pose serious challenges to the police organisation and, of course, to our country.”
He noted that some regional nations struggle to attract recruits, leading them to hire from abroad. While Trinidad and Tobago enjoys high interest in its Police Service, he said the inability of many to meet entry criteria raises questions.
“Questions as to whether there should be equivalency exams or other methods for those who are interested but cannot meet the basic academic or other criteria arise. Whether tattoos that are visible should simply be ignored. But what if these tattoos show marks of some known criminal gang or the other when, of course, fairness and neutrality are required of the officer.”
Despite these challenges, the Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards, integrity, and continuous learning for the newly-minted officers.
“Graduates, as you take your first steps forward and into this noble profession, remember that you are going to be held to the highest standards, behaviourally and ethically. You are not only law enforcement officers, but you are also expected to be role models to the citizens that you serve, particularly those of your age group.”
Minister Hinds urged the new officers to rise to the occasion, as the nation counts on them during these challenging times.
“You are accountable not only to your seniors, not only to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, but you are accountable to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and, of course, accountable to the law, the Constitution, as measured by the courts.”
The 110 new recruits are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, with plans to add 1,000 officers to its ranks.