The police force are in need of more youths who are disciplined, motivated and willing to contribute positively to the organisation's development, the Commissioner of Police Mr Andre Quilindo has said.

Mr Quilindo was speaking at a passing out ceremony on Friday January 24, at the Seychelles Police Academy (SPA) at Pointe Larue, during which 20 cadet officers were promoted to constables.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Seychelles People's Defence Forces (SPDF) Colonel Leopold Payet, the SPA Commandant Mr Jerris Beauchamp, other high-ranking officials from the SPDF and police, as well as relatives of the graduates.

Awards were also presented to three officers who performed with excellence academically and the top prize went to PC Antoine Albert, while PC Georgie Freminot and PC Robin Omblime received the second and third prizes respectively. Marianne Marcel, who was among the eight ladies to graduate, won the award for the best disciplined officer.

The 20 new officers each received a certificate.

As in the custom, the ceremony was marked by a parade which was inspected by Commissioner Quilindo.

In his speech for the occasion, Commissioner Quilindo urged the new group of graduates to discharge their duties and responsibilities with pride and professionalism and to remember that they should always serve without favour, fear, affection or ill will.

Noting that the police force was one of the most demanding and noble professions, Commissioner Quilindo hailed the young officers for having taken on the challenge to maintain order, peace and stability in the country.

Commenting on the reform Vice-President James Michel said earlier this year was needed for a more efficient police force, Commissioner Quilindo said that reform was only a phase of reorganisation that the police force has to go through to meet its objectives and not something to be fearful of.

He called on the police officers to view those reforms positively and show that they were willing to take on their responsibilities in an exemplary manner.

Before calling on the senior officers and other members of the police force, parents and friends to give the young officers their maximum support, Commissioner Quilindo urged the 20 new graduates to seriously put into practise all the skills and knowledge acquired during their four months of training.

SPA Commandant, Mr Beauchamp, also stressed on the need for more training which he said was of paramount importance in order to deliver a professional service.

He told the officers now that they had acquired new knowledge on legal powers, duties and obligations, as well as the rights and duties of the citizens as enshrined in the Constitution, they should use those powers judiciously.

SPA Commandant also announced the SPA's training plan for this year, which he said would be an intensive one targetting the entire police force, starting with the constables followed by the senior officers.

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