TCI: Tactical Firearms Course Prepares Officers for Leadership Roles

#Providenciales, July 16, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Eleven Sergeants and Inspectors of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) took part in a Tactical Firearms Command Course to develop command & leadership skills in the delivery of the Tactical Firearms Command Role.

The four-day workshop that took place July 8th-11th, provided an overview of roles and responsibilities of command, positive command attributes, communication elements between command levels, the National Decision Model and the significance of the threat and risk assessment to decision making, the roles of a negotiator, how to Identify the progression of policing response to terrorist attacks and potential risks facing the Emergency Services providing critical support and how to Identify means of continuous professional development.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting in congratulating the participants spoke on the importance of the training that also saw two experienced commanders developing their training skills to continue the program locally.

Deputy Commissioner Botting said, “I am very proud of the 11 officers who attended and passed this extremely challenging course. To succeed, the officers worked very hard on the course and then had to pass a rigorous testing process. The command of serious incidents is critical for our response to incidents, catching criminals, and protecting those who live, work and visit the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

“Their success was well earned and I congratulate them on achieving the required standard. I am also delighted that, whilst a UK based trainer delivered this training, it included the development of two of our most experienced commanders to be able to deliver this training locally. Building a local training command capability is very important to maintain the high standards of command and control of incidents.”

Inspector Ensa Wilson, who is currently a 911 Silver Commander found the training to be insightful.

In just four days, I think we all gained significant skills and methods and were challenged to think deeply about our roles as commanders. We covered a lot of practical information, but more importantly we were able to delve into critical thinking related to decision making and self- development. The learning energy was amazing as the instructors had a lot of knowledge and experience. It is important that the learning environment of this nature be continued so that we develop and grow. I am looking forward to continuing using my command skills to control serious incidents effectively during my duties”.

Meanwhile, UK based facilitator Don Moyse said, it is a privilege to be in the Turks and Caicos Islands to help facilitate the training and development of selected RT&CIPF Officers in their command skills and decision-making abilities.

“My job in the UK is one of managing the training and development of Police Commanders, specifically in dealing with threat and risk mitigation in armed operations and counter-terrorism. This same training, the RT&CIPF and I adapt to the challenges specific to these islands. In delivering this training here I work as part of the team of existing specialist commanders whose experience and insight keeps the training within the local needs and context. The officers we trained arrive on day one of the course, already experienced in policing the many risks and challenges the islands put upon the RT&CIPF and we add a developing structure, process and directing ability to better equip them to mitigate these and keep the public safe. Those officers who attended the training proved themselves to be committed, enthusiastic and above all caring and to work with them was a pleasure”.

Release: TCI Police