Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Minister of National Security Derrick Smith interacts with constables in training at the police training school at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:

The police training facilities at Twickenham Park in St. Catherine are set to undergo a massive rehabilitation exercise, totalling some $30 million.

This was reiterated yesterday by National Security Minister Derrick Smith, who was on a tour of the facility. He said the work would start by year end. He was accompanied on the tour by his junior minister, Arthur Williams.

During yesterday's tour, the men found the sanitary conveniences and the kitchen facilities in a state of disrepair. Some classrooms will also be repaired during the first phase of the rehabilitation exercise that is scheduled to last about two months.

"We realise that the money granted for this undertaking might be inadequate, but there is a need to assist the police training programme, so we will sacrifice," Mr. Smith remarked.

Gun should be last resort

During the tour, the minister interacted with some of the constables in training and other personnel, and implored them to be professional in their daily interactions with the public. He reminded them that the gun should be their last resort and promised that his ministry would be doing all it could to rebuild the image of the force, making it the model organisation it once was.

Some personnel from the staff college accompanied Mr. Smith on the tour.