Police Officer: Thinking about joining the force?

    They are very common, wear a uniform and drive vans with flashing blue lights, yes that's right, I'm referring to police officers. As of recently in Trinidad and Tobago, police officers can be seen all over the country.

     It's a very difficult job. Being an officer means you will be on call and have odd working hours. But if it's an area you are definitely passionately about, my advice is for your to continue reading this post, then apply!

     So one must enter the force as a trainee. A person seeking to be a trainee shall complete an application form and submit it to the Police Officer in charge of the Police Station nearest to which the applicant resides. And of course, similar to that of a fire-fighter there are restrictions and provisions that should be met.

The applicant must:

i. be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago;

ii. be required to pass a medical examination conducted by a Government Medical Officer nominated for the purpose;

iii. be required to undergo a polygraph test, psychological test and be tested for dangerous drugs at the cost of the Service;

iv. be of good character as evidenced by a police certificate of character;

v. be not less than eighteen years and not more than thirty-five years of age on the 1st January of the year in which the appointment is made;

vi. in the case of a male, be of good physique and at least one hundred and sixty-seven centimetres in height; or

vii. a female, be of good physique and at least one hundred and fifty centimetres in height;

viii. possess passes in five subjects in the CXC Examinations, including English Language, at General Proficiency at Grade I, II, or III or at Basic Proficiency at Grade I in all five subjects, or five G.C.E. 0’ Level passes, including English, at Grade A, B or C in all five subjects, or produce proof of having reached an equivalent or higher standard of education;

ix. possess a Trinidad and Tobago driver’s permit with a class 3 endorsement to drive light motor vehicles;

x. be required to pass a physical examination and an agility test; and

xi. be required to pass a written examination.

     According to a senior members of the Southern CID, during the training process the trainee will receive a stipend of $4000.00 - $4500.00 and upon entering the force should receive $8000.00 - $9000.00. So please if you are interested in this field, consider the requirements above and join the force! 

And as usual, ending this Blog post with a quote:

"Law enforcement officers are never 'off duty.' They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place that the peace is threatened. They need all the help that they can get." - Barbara Boxer