Philipsburg:--- Some 73 young men and women who were recruited by the Ministry of Justice took their oath on Monday evening in the presence of the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan at the Philipsburg Cultural Centre. The newly sworn in officers were divided into four sets to assist the various justice departments. Most of the recruits were appointed to work directly with the Police Department while a number of them were sent to the Pointe Blanche House of Detention, the Customs Department, and the Immigration Department.Monday's swearing in ceremony was a temporary ceremony which would allow the recruits to officially function in the various departments. The BAVPOL officers that are appointed to the Police Department are already working with the police conducting the necessary foot patrols during this Christmas season. Among the BAVPOL officers were some Dutch Police Officers who arrived on St. Maarten to provide assistance to the St. Maarten Police Force. They were also sworn in Monday evening and they will begin controlling the streets of St. Maarten as early as Tuesday.
It is understood that the BAVPOL recruits which is the first of their kind on St. Maarten wrote their examinations last month and they are scheduled to graduate sometime in January. It is further understood that these officers will have to re-take the oath when they graduate. The recruits participated in a six months course which began in July 2011.
Minister of Justice Roland Duncan said the BAVPOL is aimed at strengthening the various justice departments. He advised the new officers of the law to do their best in their new jobs and continue the courses that will be offered to them. Minister Duncan said the next batch of recruits will start mid 2012. The Minister said that the BAVPOL recruits are the future of St. Maarten and their services are needed. He called on them to do the island proud as they execute their duties.
Click here to view more photos of the swearing in of the BAVPOL recruits.
