By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The General Delegate for National Security, Mbarga Nguele Martin has urged some 2,444 new police graduates to embrace their roles with professionalism and commitment.
He was speaking, Friday October 25, 2024 during a solemn ceremony held at the Mutengene Police Training and Application Centre during the graduation and award of epaulettes to some 695 student Police Inspectors and 1,749 student Peacekeepers who completed their traning.
The National Security boss in his remark emphasised the importance of integrity and dedication in their new roles and responsibilities. “You must serve the institutions of the Republic with loyalty, dedication, and impartiality,” he stated. He further emphasised the need for ethical conduct, warning against actions that could discredit the police force. “Your actions must reflect the highest standards of conduct both in public and in your private lives,” he said.
Highlighting the academic achievements of the graduates, Mbarga Nguele said, “Among today’s graduates, several have higher academic degrees than those required for the ranks they are accessing today.” He pointed out that 464 out of 695 Police Inspectors hold higher education degrees, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the professionalism of the police force.
The event drew local officials, families of the graduates and community members, all gathered to support the new officers, who will soon be deployed to tackle various security challenges, including rising crime rates and terrorism.
The graduates in their respective categories included Professional Police Inspectors, Men: 126, Women: 42, (Total 168), Special Police Inspectors; Men: 79, Women: 17 (96), Direct Police Inspectors; Men: 375, Women: 56 (431), Police Constables; Men: 1,498, Women: 260 (1,749), all summing up to 2,444 recipients.
The Mutengene Police Training Center
The Mutengene Police Training and Application Centre (CIAP), originally established as the West Cameroon Police College, opened its doors on June 3, 1960. Over the years, the Center has played a pivotal role in training essential law enforcement personnel, including: Constables (Guardians of the Peace), Inspectors and Police Officers, Peace Officers of the Mobile Wing (now the Mobile Intervention Regiment, GMI), Customs Officers and Municipal Controllers (known as Messengers)
After its initial eleven years, the institution transitioned to the Police Instructional Center (CIP), successfully training 1,469 Police Officers across six promotions. In 1975, it was officially renamed the Police Training and Application Centre (CIAP) through Decree No. 75/193, a title it has maintained ever since.
CIAP is dedicated to training Police Inspectors and Constables, providing additional training for Cadet Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents in maintaining order and police operations, and offering advanced training in technical and scientific fields. For over two decades, CIAP has adapted its curriculum to suit various contexts, enabling it to train not only Cameroonian police officers but also those from friendly nations such as Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Togo.