NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER TAKES OFFICE

C.O.P James Clarkson

St. George, July 31, 2008 -- Former Deputy Commissioner of Police, James Clarkson who retired in 2005 from the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has been named as the new commissioner of Police following the retirement of Commissioner Winston James at the end of July.

Mr. Clarkson, born 21st April 1944, has a background in music and served as arranger for the Republic Bank Angel Harps. He has an outstanding record of service to the RGPF and brings to the force a wealth of experience.

“My life has been one of service to the people of Grenada and I am pleased once again to be called upon to serve. This is an exciting challenge which I hope will bring a renewed professional approach to policing in general and to the RGPF in particular,” said the new Commissioner.

Mr. Clarkson, who served under several governments, says he believes there are capable persons at every level of the RGPF. He says one of the areas of focus will be training and development. “My job is to help bring to the fore the talents and abilities of the men and women in the Force. I look forward to enhancing the professionalism and respectability of the Police while developing the machinery that will help in eradicating crime in the country,” he said.

James Clarkson became an Inspector of Police at the age of twenty three and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2003. He served in the West Indian Regiment between 1961 and 1962 and with the Trinidad Defence Force from 1962-1967.

Mr. Clarkson served the Royal Grenada Police Force in various capacities between 1970-2005, punctuated by his appointment as senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Works from 1984-1986 and Assistant Chief Cultural Officer in the Ministry of Education between 1986 and 1993.

In 1979 he was appointed Acting Commissioner of Police.

He received his training at various institutions in the United Kingdom, including the Cranfield Institute of Technology where he studied Air Transport Planning and Operations and  the Police Staff College in Bramshill. He also attended Mc Gill University in Canada and the Capt. San Luis Police College.

The Commissioner’s qualifications also included courses and training opportunities in the United States. A former GBSS and J. W. Fletcher primary school student, Mr. Clarkson is married to Christine Clarkson with five children, two boys and three girls.