The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force and the College of the Bahamas yesterday took a step closer to formalising a partnership that will improve the level of academic studies received by officers enrolled at the Police Training College.

COB President Rodney Smith, with a delegation of senior officers, toured the RBPF training facility on Thompson Boulevard to identify key initiatives that the partnership could develop in an effort to improve the police force.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson called the meeting between the two entities “fruitful”.

He added: “The move to strengthen the quality of education received by our future officers will, over time, improve the capabilities and potential of the RBPF.

“Commissioner (Ellison) Greenslade is and has always been focused on academics and it was his idea to begin conversations with COB on how to improve and adjust the academic programmes delivered by our training facility.”

ACP Ferguson added: “Following that initial conversation, the commissioner invited the president of COB to visit this facility and to really start the process of expanding what is being done here at the training college.”

Mr Smith indicated that the partnership would be beneficial for more than just the parties involved and will assist the entire country.

“You are becoming police officers in an era where it is important for you to continue your education in some form,” he told a group of officers yesterday.

“Among the many first responders in the world, you represent individuals that will not only save lives, but protect lives and enforce laws all around our country.”

Mr Smith renewed his institution’s commitment to join hands with senior RBPF officers to ensure that all necessary programmes and courses needed by future officers are provided at COB.