Stedroy Benjamin Encourages Ethical Policing and Community Engagement
Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety, Sir Stedroy “Cutie” Benjamin, has told the newest cohort of police and fire service officers of the importance of ethical conduct, community policing, and lifelong learning in their careers.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for Course 49 of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Benjamin commended the 73 recruits for their commitment to public service and called on them to embody the principles of integrity, professionalism, and respect.
“You must each earn the respect, trust, and confidence of the people throughout this nation, and this can only be done by your conduct,” Benjamin stated. “Remember, respect is earned—it is not given. Your character must be exemplary, and you must always act ethically and responsibly.”
Benjamin highlighted the vital role of community engagement in fostering trust and enhancing public safety. He called on recruits to prioritize visibility and accessibility within the communities they serve.
“Be visible and accessible to the community,” he said. “Community policing is not just a phase; it’s what makes policing effective. Let the community see you, interact with you, and know that you are there to serve and protect them.”
The Acting Prime Minister noted the comforting presence of police officers who are actively involved in their communities. “Do you know how reassuring it is to see officers walking around, knowing the people, and being known by name? That’s what we want to reignite,” he added.
Benjamin urged the recruits to make self-improvement a priority throughout their careers. “Let self-development be part of your daily routine. Ask questions, read, and seek ways to improve your knowledge base,” he advised. “Think outside the box, be flexible, and be creative as you absorb new knowledge to enhance your performance.”
He also encouraged recruits to embrace challenges and learn from their experiences, reminding them that policing requires adaptability and a commitment to growth.
Acknowledging the efforts of the commandant and training staff, Benjamin expressed gratitude for their dedication in preparing the recruits. “I wish to commend you, Commandant, and your team for a job very well done,” he said. “The magnificent performance of the recruits this morning, despite trying circumstances, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved.”
Benjamin emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to equipping the police force with the tools and training necessary for success. He highlighted recent investments, including drones, new vehicles, and the arrival of seven new fire tenders, as part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety across Antigua and Barbuda.
The Acting Prime Minister called on the recruits to uphold the legacy of the police force and contribute to the nation’s safety and security. “You have chosen a noble profession that contributes to saving lives and property in this state,” he remarked. “Antigua and Barbuda is known for its sun, sand, sea, safety, and security. You are now part of the team that ensures these values are preserved for future generations.”
Benjamin concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to support law enforcement and fire services, assuring the recruits that their efforts are essential to the nation’s prosperity. “Be wise, apply your knowledge, and always act with professionalism and integrity,” he said.
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How can unethical call for ethical, when the force is not controlled by the politicians and there is no yes man in leadership maybe they could be some form
These damn idiots take on so many UNSKILLED positions whilst in office, and can’t do one job properly yet.
When I was a young Clerk, I worked as a Clerk; then It took me several long years of education and hard work to make my way in Management – and I was good 😉 -; and eventually ended up running my own business through my past experiences (with no grandiose job descriptions or self appointments like ABLP members)
Yet these politicians can jump around from one unqualified job to another, and hoodwink the public by chatting a whole heap of incapable and inexperienced nonsense to the gullible.
The ABLP are the “Jack of all trades and masters of absolutely nothing”. You only have to look around at the incompleteness of Antigua & Barbuda.
REMEMBER, WITNESS WITH YOUR OWN EYES AND NOT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT TELLS YOU …
DEM NAKED ME AH TELL UNNA!!!
The most basic change that is needed in policing in Antigua and Barbuda is having folks with advance degree in their field be a part of training.
Those with an advance degree in law but trained police officers in criminal law, criminal procedure law, evidence law, administrative law, etcetera. Those areas of law that is material to great policing.
Those with an advance degree in criminology, police science, sociology, criminal justice, forensic science, etcetera should be a part of training.
A person is ready to graduated when they are able to pass specific law classes at the level of an attorney. Not all classes taken by law students but those classes relevant for proper policing, like criminal law and criminal procedure. You should not be able to difference whether the exam was taken by a law student, imminent attorney, or police recruit, imminent police officer. This should be applicable in those specific classes relevant to both jobs. Have experts teach these classes at the police training facility.
If you can not do the most important, which is also the easiest, how can you be trusted to do the others?
The primary subject is “ETHICS” How can a person who is widely regarded as unethical be pushing ethics?
Ethics should be thought in the police training not to be flippantly mentioned at the graduation.
Community policing is not something that comes out of the police station or the individual police.
Community Policing is a deployment policy which comes from police headquarters and is monitored for its effectiveness.
The Attorney General uses concepts and words without knowing what and how the concept is applied as a policy.
What support my strong recommendations? Police officer carries a gun, it is foreseeable they may take life, they can take life, liberty and constitutional rights in many cases before due process (trial), they are humans, it is foreseeable mistakes will occur, they are in a stressful job, they can also be in harms’ way, etcetera.
Do you see how vitally important it is to give such employees the vital education, demeanor, knowledge, skills, experience, wisdom, intelligence, etcetera in the EXECUTION (pun intended) of their duties?
These government officers are judges, jurors, prosecutors, defense attorneys and executioners often and sometimes within a split of a second.
Why would we not provide the best education and educational resource for them during their first training and yearly or bi-yearly?
At this time, no officers qualifies under my standard, which is a reasonable and prudent standard. Objective standard.
Not everyone can have advance degree, sadly, but everyone can be taught/trained by such person with advance degree in appropriate fields.
@Countryman Abroad,
I will have to say the substance of what you expressed is brilliant. You are brilliant.
Cutie is simply a little fat chatty chunky skonk.
I refuse to read the entire article, he is not qualified to call for anything ethical, bwoy guh tek a seat and rest your tired lazzy arse.
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