| Hakim Hayat |
AS PART of the Royal Brunei Police Force’s (RBPF) strategic plan to strengthen the capabilities of its personnel and units towards maintaining public harmony and national security, the establishment of the country’s first Police Force Academy is currently in the pipeline, the Minister of Defence II revealed yesterday.
Making this statement in his speech as the guest of honour at the passing out parade for 16 Probationary Inspector Cadet Officers at the Main Parade Square of the RBPF Training Centre at the Police Headquarters in Jalan Gadong yesterday, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof added that RBPF’s proven success in training the cadet officers domestically will eventually help realise the force’s strategic plan.
“Through existing strong cooperation and by adopting a whole-of-government approach, the RBPF will be taking valuable examples from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), who have successfully established the Defence Academy,” the minister said, adding that the RBAF will be able to share their experiences and best practices in the planning, handling and management of the Defence Academy.
The minister conveyed his confidence that the plan will be realised in the near future, ahead of RBPF’s 100th anniversary in three years’ time. He added that the Police Force Academy, once realised, will be a very valuable complement in RBPF’s longstanding efforts to enhance its officers’ capacities.
He made note as well of the latest developments in the force’s training programme, including enhancements in the curriculum through the addition of subjects on the Penal Code, character building, public speaking, as well as scenario-based training exercises.
“All this will challenge and test the police officer when faced with a situation, how well they assess it and make rational judgements and decisions quickly and accurately,” the minister said.
The minister pointed to the uncertainty in the security landscape and ever-changing national crime trends, stressing that due to these conditions, it is RBPF’s utmost priority to continuously enhance the level of discipline and professionalism among its ranks.
Loyalty among officers is also vital, the minister added, traits which he said will realise RBPF’s vision of being a respected and revered organisation.
Remarking on the successful completion of training for the 16 Probationary Inspector cadet officers yesterday, the minister said their achievement marks a new chapter for RBPF in producing a young generation of leaders imbued with the Bruneian character, after 15 years of not doing so.
“I hope this will strengthen the line of leaders within RBPF and raise its profile as an institution that guarantees public safety,” he added.
The minister also expressed his confidence that the Probationary Inspector cadet officers will be able to utilise what they’ve learnt from their training to the best of their abilities.
“Armed with the experience and knowledge gained from the training, on top of established core values such as piety, obedience, good ethics, integrity and responsibility, they will Insya Allah be ready to respond with full confidence to the challenges they will encounter in their careers as police officers,” he said.