Members of the Traffic Branch of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force participated last Thursday in a lecture on the topic “Quality Customer Service for the Traffic Department”.
Desrie J.K. Richards, senior education officer, attached to the Adult Education and Continuing Studies Division of the Ministry of Education, delivered the lecture.
Richards reminded the officers to be professional at all times.
She told them that they have two categories of customers: the internal and external customers.
The internal customers, she said, are persons within the organisation — from the Commissioner of Police down to the recruits — all of whom must be treated with respect.
The external customers, Richards stated, are the general public, whether they communicate with the police via a telephone call, email, Facebook.
She emphasised that all customers should be treated with utmost care, respect and professionalism.
The senior education officer reminded the officers that respect is earned, therefore, if they wished to be respected by members of the public, they must first respect themselves.
She said that that when officers show respect for themselves and their customers they will gain their trust and loyalty.
Richards told the officers that they are professionals and, therefore, should maintain a professional image.
Professionalism, she stated, is not an option but should be practice daily by all police officers.
Using the example of ticketing a motorist for a breach of the traffic law, Richards told the officers that they should be courteous and treat everyone equally.
While admitting that people with special needs can be offenders, Richards told the officers to be understanding of them and treat them with special care.
She urged the officers to learn the roles and responsibilities of their jobs, adding that they traffic officers and do not know how to put on and take off the clamp, handcuff a prisoner or how to communicate clearly.
She stressed that they must be consistent and organised at all times.
Richards concluded her presentation by congratulating members of the traffic department for the Traffic Tips programme that is aired on NBC Radio 705.
She assured them that their contribution has not gone unnoticed and told them to continue to play their role with poise and do it with distinction.
She reminded them that the biblical guideline is still applicable, “A soft answer turned away wrath but grievous words stores up anger.”
Shine like beacons them and give only their best – wear their uniform with pride and provide quality service with professionalism, Richards told the officers.
Well needed, hope a certain female is still with the organization and apply that training daily.
I had to report her because she was so insolent, and acted in an unprofessional manner.
Get this teaching lady in your core.
Thank you Mrs. Richards.