Recruits from this year's re-energised Police Recruitment Campaign had their first classes of a 16-week training programme this week at the Police Training Centre at Prospect.

The 18-strong group faces about four months of intensive physical and mental training, during which they will hone their skills in areas as diverse as ethics, public relations and computers.

An introduction to the Recruit Foundation Course outlined the goals the trainees are expected to aspire to.

They included: "to attain competent grades'' and "to pass the tests administered'' to them.

These grades and tests will be decided after lessons in both academic studies -- including communication skills, problem solving and professional and ethical standards -- and physical training -- including health and fitness, swimming and emergency first aid.

Instructor Insp. Charles Mooney said that he felt the course, involving a total of 34 tasks, was "tough and demanding''.

"Not only do they have to do a lot of studying,'' he said, "but at the end of it the recruits will have to pass a Police Physical.'' He added: "This is just to make sure that they are fit enough to handle the jobs that Police officers have to do.'' The cadets won't be kept at the training centre for the entire time however.

"One day of their training will be spent out in "the field'', doing road tests, or they could be called out to assist in suspects searches and rescue operations,'' Inspector Mooney said.

He added that the recruits were on standby for the duration of Hurricane Gert's visit.

Also, at the end of the programme, the trainee officers will take part in the International 10K race as a way of finalising their long weeks of challenging physical exercises.

Insp. Mooney explained that when the recruits finish this course, they will go to one of the Island's three Police Stations and begin another six-week course of training in the field.

He said: "The recruits will have to be in the division for a while before they can choose a certain field of Police work to go into.'' According to the Course Introduction document, new officers are on probation for three years, during which time they "can be dismissed for being an inefficient officer''.

It is only after this that they can be officially confirmed in their ranks. In their first class of the programme, the fresh recruits expressed enthusiasm for the days ahead.

Kelvina Wade said: "I feel that I've made a positive career change and would like to take advantage of every opportunity as it comes.'' Chris Sabean spoke for the group, saying: "I think everyone agrees that one of our main reasons for being here is so that we can help out the youth.'' He added:"I think this is a great career job and that its a great way to help people.'' P.c. Junita Woolridge was in agreement and said: "This is all about community and helping the youth. I want to create a better interaction between the public and the Police.'' Asked how many cadets he thought would pass the course, Insp. Mooney said: "Hopefully all of them.'' Another instructor, Chief Inspector Vendal Bridgeman was equally optimistic, saying: "I think this group is going to be our best class of cadets ever.''