Commissioner of Police, Mr. Darwin Dottin, during his feature address at the launch of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s 175th Anniversary celebrations.
RBPF celebrates 175 years
3/6/2010
By Tanya Lightbourne
The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) is continuing the legacy, celebrating 175 years of existence.
Embarking on a full year of celebrations, the RBPF held their official launch in Independence Square yesterday with a route march and full entertainment package.
Commending fellow officers on their immaculate turnout and impressive performance on the afternoon, Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin noted that there is nothing that lifts the spirit like a military display.
Pointing out that as a country we have done well, Commissioner Dottin stated we can be proud that some of our achievements have been through the efforts of the police working in partnership with the communities they serve.
“As we celebrate, it is important at this time that we recognise the contribution of those police officers who have served this country over the years, some of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is also important that we continue to recognise the efforts of our officers who continue to serve, giving of their best day in and day out,” he said.
Recalling policing in the 1980’s, Commissioner Dottin paid due to past Commissioner of Police, Orville Durant, whom he recalls as a man many believed should be credited for his contribution to the development of policing during the 1980’s.
“I do believe that many will recall this as a significant period for the Force. The work of Commissioner Durant was pivotal in preparing the Force for the required transformation that was necessary for it to acquire the requisite capability and capacity to effectively respond to the needs of a rapidly changing society,” he added.
In reference to the changing society the Commissioner stated that to better prepare to manage the challenges, there was a massive injection of training and the articulation of an operational philosophy that was anchored in the strategic acquisition of planning capacity and a well grounded community outreach programme.
Recognising that the environment in which the force operates today has changed beyond recognition from the period of 1830’s, he noted that undoubtedly these changes have opened up new opportunities for all, whilst providing new challenges. These challenges include a society that has become more permissive to the use and abuse of illicit drugs, a continuous growth in violence that is characterised by the use of illegal firearms, and the rapid decline in moral and societal values. Not forgetting internally, the major challenges continue to be centred on the issue of recruitment and retention and the continued need to provide opportunities for career progression.
“As a force we have faced many challenges over our long history. For the way forward, there will a continued commitment to the need to recognise the value of community partnerships, full engagement in problem solving, whilst undertaking the steps required to further transform the Force to support these efforts,” stated Commissioner Dottin.
In an effort to get into the communities and interact with Barbadians from all works of life, the 175th Anniversary event calendar includes several activities each month, which include community concerts, conference for neighbourhood watches, lecture series and a 20/20 cricket competition, among others.
