This week seven hundred and ninety nine new police officers graduated from the Police Academy. These officers are now reinforcing police commands across the state, but there is a doubt in many minds because it has been revealed that a small number failed to pass all the tests necessary for graduation. Most concerning is news that several failed a test on ethics - and others failed firearm proficiency.
Those that are poor shots will not be issued with a sidearm, but will gain work experience before being retested. Further failure will presumeably result in them being dismissed from the force.
The failure of ethics standards is even more troubling. Police officers are expected to uphold high moral ethics and we do not want our police to degenerate to the standards of countries such as Mexico - where poorly paid police officers keep watch while their partners mug the citizenry
There is a verbal tug of war in progress between the police on one side - and the government and it's opposition on the other. The police insist that they need an extra three thousand officers to adequately police this state. With an election due on March 24 both government and opposition is locked in a brawl as to what will be provided.
It seems obvious that this class was rushed to graduation for political reasons. No doubt the majority are well trained and will do a good job, but even a few officers performing below par have the ability to bring the force into disrepute. Let us hope that prompt remedial action will bring the failures up to standard !
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