ST. LUCIA – Nine highly experienced British police officers are now part of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Sworn in on Wednesday, November 1st, in the Offices of Police Commissioner, Ausbert Regis, the officers will undergo an orientation and familiarization period to facilitate the efficient execution of their duties.
Police Commissioner Ausbert Regis described the occasion as momentous, marking a pivotal point in moves to reform the force. The police officers will serve on a two-year contract. This initiative forms part of government’s investment in national security and crime prevention.
The officers will be assigned responsibilities including, intelligence and crime, professional standards, anti-corruption, crime and analysis management, research and crime prevention, research and development, investigations and community policing.
In her delivery of the Throne Speech in April, Governor General Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy announced plans to recruit the British officers, stating the move would be an essential element of government’s strategy to build capacity and increase efficiency in the police force.
Saint Lucia becomes the third country in the region, after Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica to make use of British police within their national police force. The government of Saint Lucia will finance the services of the officers through the Petroleum Stabilisation Fund.
