Awardee reminds police officers that respect flows both ways

At a time when the public’s trust in the police force has been eroded, a member of the constabulary, is encouraging his fellow colleagues to be mindful of the important role they play by protecting the residents of Antigua & Barbuda.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Alvin Thomas whose track record has earned him international recognition from Queen Elizabeth II, said it is important for police officers to recognise the important role they play in society.
He said they are duty bound to protect the entire population; they ought to be respected by society and the same level of respect should be extended to the general public.
“See yourself, that you owe your country something, not because you are a police officer, you are subjected to be called at any time to report for yourself. As long as you walk the streets of St John’s there is an automatic camera that follows you,” Thomas said during an interview yesterday, moments after he received the Queen’s Police Medal of Honour (QPM).
He said, ”Give this nation an extra effort, show a quality of respect to everyone, whether it is a rastaman or anyone else for that matter.”
ACP Thomas is one of two police officers to  receive the same accolade this year.
The other is retired Assistant Commissioner Philip Isaacs.
The two officers, along with Director of  the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services (ADOMS) Dwight Gardiner, were named on the Queen’s 2017 New Year’s Honours list.
Thomas has given over 40 years of service to the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda since he enlisted in 1976.
(More in today’s Daily Observer)