Friday at the Police Academy, Prime Minister Paul Evans, in the presence of Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the UN in Haiti and head of MINUSTAH, Nesmy Manigat, the Minister of National Education and Pierre Richard Casimir, the Minister of Justice, attended the graduation ceremony of 57 officers (12 women and 45 men) of the First Promotion of the Educational Community Police (EDUPOL) of the National Police of Haiti (PNH).

After 108 hours of additional training, the mission of the EDUPOL will be : the management to the hours of class of students lying in the streets, patrolling the school zones, conflict mediation in schools, actively participate in the socio-educational activities, explain to students of the various educational establishments the role of the police in a democratic society, educate students against rape, abuse of alcohol and drug abuse.

"Today's event is a success of the PNH to which the United Nations contributed. I welcome the first 57 officers of Educational Community Police, including 12 women," declared Sandra Honoré.

The Minister Manigat acknowledged the contribution of all stakeholders in the materialization of the EDUPOL "Sa k ap fèt maten an,se yon fason pou n amelyore klima skolè a pou pèmèt timoun yo reyisi lekòl. Prevent drugs and violence in schools, crime and debauchery are the main objectives of the EDUPOL who is there to assist the Ministry in support young people for their academic success."

"I am honored to present the first promotion of the Educational Community Police which is primarily a police of proximity. The agent Johnny Médor is the laureate f the first promotion of the Educational Community Police," declared Minister Casimir, adding that the NYPD had helped in the training of agents of the EDUPOL recalling that the officers of the New York Police exchange in rotation, every 4 months, their expertise with the Police officers of the PNH.

"What a beautiful marriage that we are witnessing today, marriage between : Education Police and Justice. Dear recipient, you are expected to play a police role and of educator. The diploma you will receive makes you a new kind of police. You are educators and protectors. We need a national surge in the fight against division and violence in our community, including schools. The state does not intend to give up against the excesses that threaten our youth. The Educational Police is us, the young notified, parents, journalists, artists... who constitute the state of Haiti," declared Prime minsiter Paul which appealed to the public and the education community, to help the EDUPOL to achieve its mission.

In addition, the Ministry of National Education handed over the keys of 4 vehicles 4X4 Terrios, a pickup truck, a bus and 10 motorcycles for the launch of the EDUPOL.

HL/ HaitiLibre