Jamaica’s correctional service has gotten a much-needed boost in its manpower with the addition of 93 new recruits.

The new recruits, who graduated yesterday from the Carl Rattray Staff College in Runaway Bay, St Ann, represent the 81st intake of recruits. The 93 recruits consisted of 78 men and 15 women who were engaged in rigorous training over nine weeks.

The training focused on core acquisition of skills, knowledge and attitude considered critical to the execution of their duties. Lygia Martin, acting director of the Carl Rattray Staff College, pointed out that the 81st batch of new recruits was adequately trained to effectively serve the country’s penal institutions and juvenile detention centres.

She advised that the recruits were exposed to various disciplines, including report writing, developing assistance for rehabilitation, life support skills, risk assessment, sentence planning and management and using and applying defensive tactics. Martin encouraged the new correctional officers to stamp their mark on the noble profession.

State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Zavia Mayne, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, told the recruits that the effectiveness of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) hinges on them successfully discharging their duties.

‘Steer clear of corruption’

He urged them to steer clear of corruption and follow the lead of senior officers who have been serving with the highest standard of professionalism and honour, and encouraged them to serve with integrity and make excellence their hallmark.

The junior minister gave much encouragement to the recruits declaring, “I would like to encourage you to remain committed to a vision of excellence by setting high standards and making positive improvements when necessary. We know that you are impressionable as you move from being a trainee to appreciating the working environment, and I implore you to be attracted to the positive role models around you.”

He remarked that the correctional department continues to demonstrate its relevance to the country through the obligation of its diverse skillset, core values and sense of duty.