Superintendent of Police Kamecia Blake has made history again, becoming the first police officer in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to complete a doctorate.
Blake has been awarded a doctorate in criminal justice with a specialisation in justice administration from Walden University, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force said in a press release.
The release said Blake’s achievement is “a testament to her remarkable academic and professional achievements.
“Dr. Blake’s accomplishment exemplifies the RSVGPF’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous growth. Her commitment to education and professional development reflects the evolving landscape of modern policing, where strategic insight and scientific approaches are vital in meeting today’s complex challenges,” the police force said.
Blake also holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology (Special) from the University of the West Indies (UWI); a Master of Science in forensic psychology from the University of Portsmouth; a Master of Science in criminology and criminal justice from UWI; a Master of Philosophy in criminal justice from Walden University, the police force said.
She is also a certified forensic psychologist accredited by the British Psychological Association.
Blake is the officer in charge of the Central Division of the police force and the release said she has contributed her expertise to the Criminal Investigation Department and the South Central, Western, and Grenadines divisions.
“Her leadership extended beyond our shores during her secondment to the Regional Security System Headquarters in Barbados, where she served as the Manager of the RSS Training Institute and Staff Officer Training,” the release said.
In 2010, Dr. Blake made history as the first person to enter the RSVGPF at the rank of Assistant Superintendent through the graduate entry programme.
“Her contributions have been recognised regionally; in 2018, she was honoured by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for her role in the modernisation of policing within member states. In 2020, she received the Amalgamated Security Services Limited and the Association of Caribbean Commissioners Award for Top Caribbean Police Officer Career Move (Professional Development),” the release said.
Blake said that when she joined the police force, she “always wanted to inspire a change from what was considered the colonial force — where recruitment was based on physique — to one where academics is the focus.
“Since joining, I have seen the Police Force move from one officer pursuing studies to hundreds now completing colleges and universities. For me, this is a significant achievement.”
She said that people have to know what they want.
“… the only competition is yourself, creating the best version of you. That way, you find purpose in it all, so when challenges arise, you can ignore the noise and focus on your goals.”
Blake dedicated her achievement to all young boys and girls from humble beginnings, especially those in disadvantaged communities.
“My first place of residence was Rose Place, so I want to tell them: dream big, change your destination through education. I did it, and so can you, because the race is not for the swift but for those who can endure to the end.”
The police force congratulated Blake on her achievement.
“I am immensely proud of Superintendent Dr. Blake’s achievements,” acting Commissioner of Police Enville Williams said.
“She exemplifies the excellence we strive for within the RSVGPF, setting a remarkable example that encourages all officers to pursue their own paths to excellence. Her dedication and accomplishments continue to strengthen our organization and inspire others to reach their fullest potential in service to our nation.”
“As we honour Dr. Blake’s achievements, the RSVGPF reaffirms its resolve to foster an environment where talent is nurtured and every member is empowered to excel in their role,” the police force said.
Congratulations
1) Congratulations are in order!
2) However one of the true/prime impacts of policing in a changing society is the apprehension of offenders, and successfully prosecuting them in Court.
3) I am just probing! Is Dr. Blake acquainted with the following:
a) The laws of evidence, and their usage in a court of law?
b) How many successful cases she had in the magistrates’ courts during her tenure?
c) How many indictable cases she had to date, either as (the arresting officer of a witness?)
d) The number of coroners’ inquests, she took part in as the lead investigator?
e) The number of fatal traffic accidents she investigated and accused were successfully prosecuted?
f) Does she volunteer to hold classes for her peers at a convenient police station on weekends to sensitise those who attend?
g) During her tenure how many citizens has she mentored, coached or influenced, thus subsequently transforming them from a life of lawlessness, anti-social behaviour and crime?
Academic training and qualifications have their place in contemporary policing. Needless to say, if Dr. Blake has not made a significant impact in any of the areas referred to above, in her best interest, and in the interest of the public, she should retire from the police department and utilise her doctoral skills in the private sector!
Postgraduate education by itself does not make/create outstanding police officers. Among other things, success in contemporary policing includes willpower, discipline, commitment and embracing “The Servant Leadership Notions” etc.
Bravo! Dr. Blake, I wish you all the best!
Vere. H. E. Browne. Esq.
(Former Commissioner of Police Antigua and Barbuda)
I find it interesting that you are being to attack this lady as soon as she returned to work, following her academic success. I agree that we should ask her and all the other top leaders in the police department there questions. By the way she is not to only returning office with higher academic qualifications and I think they should all be considered for promotion. We need a new slate of leadership in the top.
At least you could wait to begin the character assassination until her name surfaces for a promotion. I am so disappointed in the level of policing in SVG that I am willing to give her a chance any of the top positions in the development.
Dr Blake is obviously a well trained individual however it’s a shame to see such talent and dedication go to waste in the lackluster police force as is RSVGPF. It is not for nothing we have the highest crime rate in the region.