The
recruits, both male and female officers, were due to pass out since
December last year after undergoing a six-month training course
at the Prisons Training College, Arima.
A passing out parade for the recruits scheduled for December was
put on hold after reports began circulating that examination papers
were leaked to certain female recruits, prior to their final examination
on December 9, 2005.
Prisons officials said the passing out parade would have been held
either in February or March, but to date there has been no word
as to when this would take place.
In the meantime, the recruits are carrying unofficial duties as
prisons officers.
They work from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and being paid as recruits, since
they are not incorporated as prison officers.
After they become full-fledged officers, they are placed on a two-year
probation.
The disgruntled recruits, who said they paid $1,000 for the passing
out parade and function, claim prisons authorities are delaying
the start of their career and fingers are unfairly been pointed
at them for being dishonest.
Commissioner of Prisons John Rougier, two months ago admitted to
TnT Mirror that an internal investigation in the report of examination
papers being leaked was underway.
The Mirror was also told Junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald
Hinds had advised Rougier to call in the Fraud Squad to probe the
matter.
When contacted, the Prisons Chief said no date has been set for
the passing out parade.
But while the l05 recruits are waiting for the passing out parade,
another batch of l00 have recently started training. |
