RSLPF Officers Complete Maritime Security Policy Course in USA

Two high-ranking officers from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) have completed an inclusive Maritime Security Policy (MSP) Course. The exercise was conducted from September 21 to 25 through the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defence Studies (WJPC) in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.

The RSLPF congratulates Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Reece Auguste and Sergeant 271 Shawn Delice of the Police Marine Unit for their accomplishments.

The five-day course brought together forty-one (41) participants from 19 countries across the Caribbean, Central and South America, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary maritime-security challenges and the strategic importance of protecting maritime spaces.

Principal areas covered included maritime interests and security, maritime law, national security and defence strategies, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), strategic waterways, riverine security, maritime commerce, illicit maritime activities, maritime security operations, and the roles of maritime law-enforcement and defence agencies. Participants also examined emerging maritime-security issues, including security considerations in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, and benefited from engagements involving the United States Navy and Coast Guard.

The course assisted in enhancing the officers’ knowledge and skills in maritime security planning, threat identification and assessment, maritime-domain awareness, inter-agency cooperation, strategic analysis, and the development of coordinated responses to maritime threats. The practical and analytical components of the programme also strengthened their ability to assess maritime-security challenges from both operational and strategic perspectives.

The knowledge gained is particularly relevant to the RSLPF Police Marine Unit (PMU), which plays an important role in safeguarding Saint Lucia’s maritime domain. The training will support the Unit’s efforts in maritime surveillance, fisheries enforcement, protection of coastal and marine resources, prevention and detection of illicit maritime activities, maritime law enforcement, port and coastal security, and collaboration with national, regional, and international maritime security partners.

The application of these enhanced capabilities will also contribute to strengthening the RSLPF’s participation in multi-agency maritime operations, information sharing, Maritime Domain Awareness initiatives, and the development of effective responses to emerging threats such as drug trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, and other forms of transnational maritime crime.
The RSLPF recognizes the importance of continuous professional development and international cooperation in strengthening Saint Lucia’s maritime-security capacity.

The two officers will share the knowledge and experience gained within the organization and apply it to further enhance the operational effectiveness of the Police Marine Unit and the Force’s broader maritime-security responsibilities.