Barbados Police Service Faces Officer Shortage Amid Recruitment Challenges

The Barbados Police Service is still grappling with a severe shortage of officers, currently understaffed by 300 personnel.

Station Sergeant Colin Allamby, who oversees training and recruitment, has issued an urgent call for young recruits, particularly men, to join the force.

The appeal comes amidst a challenging recruitment landscape, with the service struggling to fill vacancies despite the current job market conditions. Allamby noted a marked disparity in applications, with women showing keen interest while young men remain hesitant.

“There’s a sort of apprehension, especially among young men, about joining the police service,” Allamby explained during an interview at Trinity Services recruitment drive at the Radisson Aquatica.

He acknowledged that the inherent dangers of policing might be deterring potential candidates.

The recruitment process is rigorous, involving written examinations, physical and medical tests, and thorough background checks. Allamby emphasised that a criminal record is an absolute disqualifier, as it would undermine public trust in the force.

The staffing deficit has led to unsustainable working conditions, with existing officers pulling extended hours.

Despite recently welcoming 51 new officers, Allamby described this as “just a drop in the bucket” compared to the overall need.

Constable Elton Prescott of the forensic crime scene unit echoed these concerns, highlighting the strain on specialised departments. He encouraged tech-savvy youth to consider a career in policing, noting the force’s in-house training programmes and exchange opportunities with other territories.

Prescott also shed light on the diverse roles within the force, including the marine unit and the use of cutting-edge technology like drones. He emphasised that whilst a degree can be advantageous, it’s not a prerequisite for many roles, including forensic work.

“Having a degree can be a plus, but it’s not necessary for processing crime scenes. The force provides training that will get you up to date with the latest technology,” the constable asserted.

As The Barbados Police Service continues its recruitment drive, it aims to showcase the wide range of opportunities available, from specialised crime scene investigation to sea patrols. The force is particularly keen to attract individuals with technological skills, offering job security and the chance to work alongside other critical emergency services.

“One of the things that young people might find attractive about a career in the police service is the job security it offers after completing basic training,” Prescott said. “The police force is not isolated to just policing, we work alongside other critical emergency services like The Barbados Defence Force, Fire Service, Prison Service, and ambulance services.” (LG)