PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Minister of National Security Martin Joseph says candidates wanting to join the police service here must undergo polygraph tests, psychological assessment and submit deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) information.

Joseph said the new Police Service Regulations, which were piloted in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, also mandated that candidates must possess five O' level certificates to enter the force at the lower level, and a bachelor's degree to enter the first division.

Quality of officers critical

He said the criteria for appointment was upgraded because the quality of officers was critical for the success of the police service.

The minister said the criteria for appointment of officers to the first division was changed to ensure that they were better qualified and equipped to assist the police commissioner.

Candidates for appointment to the first division may be selected from officers in the second division, while those coming from outside of the police service would need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, he added.

Previously all candidates for the first division only needed O' level passes in at least five subjects.

Joseph also stated because the Medical Board appointed by the Minister of Health had proven ill-suited to the needs of the police service, the new regulations stated that a Medical Board would be appointed by the police commissioner.

"This would assist in dealing with officers who are guilty of abusing sick leave, and who therefore can (now) be removed from the service in a timely manner," he said.