* Photo by Kageaki Smith. Achievement: Police cadets pose for a picture at a press conference yesterday to highlight the Bermuda Police Service’s Cadet Programme and Further Education Programme.
* Photo by Kageaki Smith. Achievement: Police cadets pose for a picture at a press conference yesterday to highlight the Bermuda Police Service’s Cadet Programme and Further Education Programme.
1
2
Derrick Golding is another 'young black male' making headlines for his involvement in gang violence - but in a positive way.

The 24-year-old former Berkeley student is part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Mr. Golding, one of the graduates of Bermuda Police's Cadet Programme, is one of the youngest detectives on the force. He is also the first person to come through the Cadet Service's higher education programme, introduced in 2005.

The police paid for his education at Acadia University in Canada in return for a minimum five-year commitment to law enforcement.

Mr. Golding, who worked on attachments with the police while he was at school, has risen quickly up the ranks and is now part of the Criminal Investigations Unit where he is being mentored by senior detectives.

Undeterred

Detective Constable Golding said he had always wanted to be a police officer and was not deterred by the increasing amount of violent crime that has engulfed Bermuda.

"It's part of the job. That was not present when I started the but everyone has a role to play and hopefully I can do my part to combat the problem."

Stephen Dill, 21, who is currently in the Cadet Programme and at the University of Tampa and will take up a role with the police when he completes his degree, said he was looking forward to doing his part.

At a time when a lot of young men are becoming caught up in gangs and street culture Mr. Dill and Mr. Golding have chosen a very different path.

Mr. Dill said he felt Bermuda needed young people to join the force and he said he had been supported in his decision by family and friends.

"There is no resentment there, only encouragement.

"I like the excitement of being a police officer, the rush of it. We need people on the streets right now that can help others feel safe."

The pair were speaking at a press conference yesterday to highlight the Bermuda Police Service's Cadet Programme, which offers Bermuda College tuition for new recruits who commit to spending three years with the force after they graduate and the Further Education Programme, which offers $20,000 a year for recruits to complete a bachelors degree abroad in return for a five year commitment to the force.

The cadets are sent on attachments with different departments during school breaks and start their police training after they graduate.

There are currently eight cadets in the programme, seven at Bermuda College.

Commissioner Michael DeSilva, who is a former cadet himself, said the programme helped produce well educated, well rounded recruits equipped to work in a wide range of jobs on the police force.

"It is vital that we bring young Bermudian officers through and get them exposed to a wide variety of policing functions."

He said it was fairly unusual, but not unheard of, for officers to become detectives after 18 months on the force.

But he said young officers, like detective Golding, who showed talent and aptitude had the chance to progress. And he added that the 24-year-old had been training with the police since he was 16 and was still being mentored by senior officers.

For more information or to apply to join either the Cadet Programme or the Further Education Programme call Dergeant Fiona Miller at the Bermuda Police Service on 2950011.

Special recognition


The police highlighted the success of three recruits at various stages of the Cadet Programme:

Constable Derrick Golding (24 yrs), joined BPS as a Cadet in August 2004.

Graduated with Associates Degree in Business Administration from Bermuda College - May 2005.

August 2005 - enrolled at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. Graduated with a BA in Business Administration - May 2008.

Graduated from Recruit Foundation training November 2008 with the Baton of Honour and commenced general police duties; currently posted to the Criminal Intelligence Unit at Hamilton Police Station.

Constable Kristyn Minors (23 yrs), joined BPS as a Cadet August 2004.

Graduated with Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems from Bermuda College in May 2007.

Graduated with BA in Information Technology Networking from New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island in May 2010.

Placed on the Dean's List every semester during the entire three years.

April 2010 attached to BPS Technology Department and is waiting to attend the next available recruit foundation course.

Cadet Stephen Dill (21 yrs), joined BPS as a Cadet in August 2006.

Graduated with Associates Degree (Honours) from Bermuda College in May 2009.

Accepted at the University of Tampa (as a junior) and is working towards BSc in Accounting.