Commissioner of Police, James Clarkson on Tuesday addressed the ranks of the Royal Grenada Police Force outlining the way forward for the institution under his current tenure. The meeting brought together all ranks of the RGPF at the Trade Centre in St George’s. Since taking up the appointment of Commissioner, on August 1, 2008, Clarkson has met with the various divisions, senior ranks and departmental commanders. Commissioner Clarkson used the Tuesday meeting to reintroduce himself to the general membership of the Force, tracing his association and involvement with the Institution since he was 12 years old. His previous tenure ended in 2005 when he retired as Deputy Commissioner of Police. In a frank forty-five minute address, Clarkson informed the ranks that it is his intention to reorganize, redirect and refocus the Royal Grenada Police Force along ethical, professional lines. The Commissioner stressed the need for the Force to be truly professional and be voided of any political interference and/or influence. There is no yellow or green Force, there is only one Royal Grenada Police Force, says Clarkson. “Our history has shown us that every time there is direct, inappropriate political interference in the general operations of the Force there is always serious negative consequences and repercussions,” he said. The newly appointed Commissioner advised that it is his intention to immediately begin the reorganization of the senior ranks, repositioning and transferring Officers, to increase and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Force. He reminded the Senior Officers of their responsibilities, and the importance of observing the organizational and operational structures of the Royal Grenada Police Force. The senior Officers were challenged to lead by example, improve the lines of communication with junior ranks and the communities in which they serve, to be proactive and assertive in the execution of their duties. As part of the reorganising plan, Officers who would have accumulated excessive vacation leave would be instructed to utilize the leave immediately. Clarkson insisted that the Royal Grenada Police Force under his command will be courteous, patient and responsive to the needs of the community. “We must be firm when executing our duties, endeavor to preserve the peace, prevent and detect crime, protect lives and property and prosecute offenders. This we must do without fear, favour or ill-will,” Clarkson stated. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com