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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames told the members of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) Trainee Correctional Officers ‘A’ Squad 2020, on January 14, 2021, that he was truly proud of their successful completion of the Correctional Officer Training Programme in light of the current pandemic. “Trainee Correctional Officers, each of you certainly would have had your share of trepidation regarding learning and training in a COVID-19 environment,” Minister Dames said, during the Graduation Ceremony and Passing Out Parade, held at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Compound, Fox Hill. “Today, however, your resilience is in full display as you survived the challenges of a 20-week recruitment training and certification in an extensive curriculum, inclusive of 15 modules designed to prepare you, for what I hope will be distinguished careers as Correctional Officers.”
Among those present for the Graduation Ceremony were Acting Permanent Secretary and Under Secretary Cheryl Darville; Commissioner of Correctional Services Charles Murphy and his Executive/Command Team members; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King and other RBDF officers; senior representatives and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Customs Department and other Uniformed Branches; Chaplain of Correctional Services, Apostle Reverend Dr. Leon Wallace; and Corrections Officers and civilian staff. Family and friends of ‘A’ Squad 2020 watched virtually via livestream. Of special note, Curtis Nairn and Terez Smith received the Best Recruit Award. Minister Dames told the graduates that each of them should be proud of their accomplishment, individually and collectively.
“Today’s milestone is just the first of many for all 79 of you,” he said. “It is my hope that your theme for today -- “United, focused and determined in the face of adversity” -- continues to resonate in your attitudes and behaviours, as you adorn your uniforms every day. “I cannot stress, however, enough the importance of establishing a foundation of resilience at the heart of your careers. No doubt, you are joining the agency at a time of rapid and long-overdue transformations.” Minister Dames noted that, over the few previous years, BDOCS had undergone and continued to reform. That, he said, had ushered in changes using a five-pronged approach inclusive of legislation; rehabilitation training for inmates and professional development for officers; investments in technologies; capital developments; and good governance.
“Our first-pronged approach focused on legislation which sought to put the institution on a path for rehabilitation as oppose to penal,” Minister Dames said. “Changes in legislation now govern new administrative and operational practices.” Recently, he noted, new legislation was also passed which brought the institution greater parity with other law enforcement agencies throughout The Bahamas. “Our goal over the next few years is to continue to improve the welfare and working conditions for all officers and civilians,” Minister Dames stated. “We value your service and know that on a daily basis you provide a service which many take for granted. However, our Administration is keenly aware that what you have chosen to do is a mission, a vocation, a calling and no less guardians of public safety.”
Minister Dames said that that the second-pronged approach is a comprehensive crime reduction plan, which focused on the rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders. He noted that research on intervention programmes to reduce recidivism among the inmate population suggests that humane and intervention services have a greater impact on recidivism as opposed to punitive treatment (Latessa & Lowenkamp 2006). “Though in its embryonic stage, we have committed to ensuring that the correctional strategy transforms the institution into a modern facility,” Minister Dames added. “This is being undergirded with evidence-based initiatives and comprehensive rehabilitation models which addresses the criminogenic needs and offender management from entry to exit.”
Minister Dames pointed out that a key component of his Administration’s crime reduction plan had been providing knowledge and skills development for conflict resolution and rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders. He noted that through the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CJSP), which was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Ministry had been able to assist the institution, and in crime reduction, through training and resources for inmates and officers designed to improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution; increase employability and employment of the at-risk youth population in New Providence; strengthen the institutional capabilities of justice services; and reduce the recidivism rate among offenders. “Since 2018 the CSJP in conjunction with The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute has trained over 500 inmates,” Minister Dames pointed out. “This has been complemented with the training and certification of seven officers who now serve as programme facilitators within the institution. “The CSJP has also facilitated training for Corrections Officers in international prison policy, along with providing opportunities for certifications in best-practices and operating standards,” he added. “To date, over 235 officers have participated in corrections sensitization training, via face-to-face and online sessions. Of interest to note, accreditation was achieved in the Mandela Rules on the Standard Minimum Rules for The Treatment of Offenders through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s e-learning platform.” Additionally, Minister Dames said, three officers were also certified as Gender-Based Violence Prevention Trainers. “The officers in turn went on to train 40 inmates in gender-based violence and sexual violence prevention,” he added. “It is significant to note that you, ‘A’ Squad 2020, became the first recruits to utilize an online platform as part of training, receiving certification in the Mandela and Bangkok Rules, respectively.” Minister Dames said that, while the global pandemic has resulted in unprecedented restrictions, it was his hope that the same determination graduates demonstrated in completing the training remained with them, always. “Today’s theme, ‘United, focused and determined in the face of adversity’ is a timely one, which I am told was chosen by you, the members of Trainee Correctional Officers Squad 2020.” Minister Dames told the graduates that they had indicated that they are determined to remain united and steadfast, despite the setbacks they will encounter in an ever-changing world. “It is important that you understand that you have joined this Agency to be an asset, thereby committing yourselves to enhancing its development and aiding inmates’ rehabilitation,” Minister Dames stressed. “That should always be your focus.” The third-pronged approach to transforming the institution, he stated, has been investment in technology. Minister Dames noted that, in correctional facilities worldwide, security and communication systems are essential to keeping both offenders and staff safe and protected. “We realized that the facility had been neglected for many decades,” he said. “Hence, our Administration committed to making the necessary technological upgrades to advance the institution’s mandate. To date, we have commenced to improve both the security and communication equipment.” Minister Dames said that he was advised that, like the squad that preceded their engagement as trainees, the graduates Passing Out that day received instruction in dynamic security. “Research supports that, in addition to having appropriate security and communication technologies, positive staff-inmate relationships play an integral role in the cognitive change processes of offenders,” he said. “Additionally, in response to the increasing number of offenders that are associated with security threats groups -- such as street gangs -- and the pressure by which such relationships affect the maintenance of security and order in custody operations, the basic training curriculum was extended to address the management of such offenders so that you would be better equipped to deal with these individuals.” Minister Dames noted that the fourth-pronged approach to rehabilitation had been infrastructural upgrades to the facility. He said that the Department, although challenged by the institution’s “outdated infrastructural design,” compounded with damage from successive hurricanes, did not hamper our efforts in improving the overall working and living conditions for both officers and inmates. “No doubt, during your training you would have observed numerous capital development projects including upgrades to the Maximum and Medium Security Wings; upgrades to the Female Correctional Facility; and the construction of a new visiting area and lounge for staff at Medium Security Facility,” he said. “Work also commenced to restore the water supply to the Remand Centre.” Minister Dames said that the fifth-pronged approach was good governance of the institution, which meant creating a humane facility focused on purposeful rehabilitation and re-integration of inmates, guided by committed Correctional Officers. “Commissioner Murphy, since assuming leadership, has and continues to demonstrate good governance through his administrative and operational abilities,” Minister Dames said. “He has prescribed to participation by inmates and officers in transforming the Agency, the rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus, inclusiveness, effective and efficient management and accountability.” However, Minister Dames pointed out, good governance was not Commissioner Murphy’s sole responsibility. “As Trainee Corrections Officers, you too have a role to play,” he said. “Therefore, it would be remiss if I do not encourage you not to fall prey to the negative vice of any form of trafficking and/or smuggling. There have been a number of incidents in which officers have been found with illegal contraband and now find themselves counted among the offender population.” “We know that a vast majority of officers are committed to serving their country, yet there is a small minority seeking opportunities to fill their pockets, undermining the integrity of this institution,” Minister Dames added. “These officers will continue to be sought out and punished to the fullest extent of the law. “There is no room for corrupt practices, only integrity, loyalty and commitment to service will produce a winning and proud organization.” Minister Dames thanked the graduates for “choosing a noble career”. “Make your family – who are tuning in through virtual space, this institution and a nation proud as you serve with distinction and pride,” he said. “On behalf of our Government and people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I congratulate you, as you commemorate the successful completion of your Trainee Correctional Officers Training in today’s Passing Out ceremony. “As you continue your probationary period and indeed through your career, remain united, focused and determined in the face adversity.”
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