Passing-out ceremony for new law enforcement officers

It had been a long wait for some because last year’s ceremony was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The passing-out ceremony saw 18 new officers join Guernsey Police and the Guernsey Border Agency.

The ceremony to congratulate the new officers formally after passing a 16-week programme on local law and procedures was combined with the police class of 2020.

The traditional parade was cancelled due to poor weather, so the ceremony was conducted instead inside Government House.

Graduation certificates and recognition awards were presented by Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, who said the occasion was a defining moment in their lives of which they should be incredibly proud.

‘It is a genuine pleasure to graduate classes one and two into fully-fledged officers,’ he said.

‘You have learnt the intricacies of the law and the practicalities of enforcing it, but I hope you have also learnt the value of working together as a team while being confident and being able to stand your own ground as an individual.’

Customs officer Nico Ashplant, 25, was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Mr Ashplant said he had not planned to go into law enforcement, but the varied work created layers to the profession which maintained his interest.

He added that the entire class was incredibly driven and the award had come as a surprise.

‘I am really grateful to the training professionals and for the award, but the whole team were like-minded, focused and ready to put in the effort in order to be successful,’ he said.