The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force officially concluded an eight-day Crime Scene Management and Homicide Investigation Training Programme on October 1, 2026. The programme brought together 21 participants, all of whom successfully completed the training and examinations and are now certified in crime scene management and homicide investigation.
Delivering remarks at the closing ceremony, Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Trevor Bailey expressed his delight that all 21 participants had successfully completed the programme and examinations. He congratulated the participants on their achievement and reminded them that certification should not be viewed as the end of their professional journey, but rather as the beginning of a continuous process of learning, development and professional growth.
Commissioner Bailey also highlighted the expertise and experience of the facilitators who contributed to the programme. The instructors included Paul Hurley, Director of Security at the Mustique Company; a retired Head of Crime from South Wales Police, United Kingdom; Beth Nurse, a lecturer in Crime Scene Investigation and a former Crime Scene Investigator and Crime Scene Manager with 17 years of experience; Rhian Kinsella, Associate Dean of Business and Partnerships at the University of South Wales and a former Crime Scene Investigator with 12 years of experience; and Warren Poole, a retired Detective Inspector and experienced Crime Scene Investigator and Crime Scene Manager with 25 years of experience investigating serious crimes, including homicide.
Mr. Hurley reflected on the successful completion of the eight-day programme and highlighted several key areas covered during the training, including investigative strategies, the Golden Hour, evidence preservation, intelligence gathering, witness and suspect management, DNA, fingerprints and crime scene management. He emphasized the importance of protecting forensic evidence, preventing contamination and applying sound investigative techniques.
Participants were also given opportunities to apply their knowledge through practical exercises and a homicide case study. Mr. Hurley expressed gratitude to the Commissioner of Police for allowing the 21 participants to take part in the programme and acknowledged the University of South Wales for its partnership in delivering the training. He commended the participants for their dedication and commitment, noting that the knowledge and skills acquired would contribute to more effective investigations and safer communities. In closing, Mr. Hurley praised the officers of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for their professionalism and dedication. He also announced a donation of surplus police equipment from South Wales, including jackets, speed cuffs and batons, to support frontline officers in carrying out their duties.
Ms. Rhian Kinsella expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the participants and emphasized that the fundamental principles of forensic investigation remain consistent regardless of where professionals are trained. Drawing on her extensive experience in forensic investigation, she highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices among criminal justice professionals. Ms. Kinsella acknowledged the challenges faced by the participants throughout the programme and emphasized the value of learning from one another and working collaboratively to strengthen investigative practices. She thanked the participants for their commitment and expressed hope that the professional relationships, knowledge and experiences shared during the programme would continue beyond the training.
Lieutenant Commander Theobalds, Training Officer, emphasized the importance of continuous professional development, particularly as criminals become increasingly sophisticated. He noted that effective investigations require specialized knowledge, proper evidence management, forensic awareness and the application of modern investigative techniques. Lieutenant Commander Theobalds encouraged the participants to share the knowledge gained during the programme with their colleagues and to apply their newly acquired skills with professionalism and integrity when managing crime scenes and handling evidence. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Hurley and his team, as well as the supporting business partners, for their contribution to the successful delivery of the training. He further highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in strengthening police capabilities, enhancing public safety and supporting the administration of justice.
In his closing remarks, Commissioner Bailey emphasized that the true measure of the programme would not simply be the certificates received by the participants, but how effectively they apply their knowledge and skills in the field. He challenged the officers to lead by example, uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and ensure that every investigation is conducted with diligence, fairness and respect for the evidence. Commissioner Bailey encouraged the participants to carry the lessons learned throughout the programme into their continued service and to share their knowledge with colleagues across the Force. He noted that continued training and professional development are essential as criminal activity becomes increasingly sophisticated and investigators are required to remain current in investigative techniques, forensic knowledge and evidence-management practices.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the facilitators, the University of South Wales, the Mustique Company and the other supporting partners for their valuable contributions to the programme. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and investment in professional development as part of efforts to strengthen the Force’s investigative capabilities, improve the administration of justice and enhance policing services to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The closing ceremony marked the successful completion of eight days of specialized training for the 21 participants. The programme strengthened their knowledge and practical skills in crime scene management, forensic investigation and homicide investigation, equipping them to apply enhanced investigative techniques in the field.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force continue to recognize the importance of professional development, specialized training and strategic partnerships in strengthening its investigative capabilities and enhancing the delivery of effective policing services to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
