At least 171 male and 30 female police trainees have been raised to a level of trooper during a pass out parade held at the Police Training College on Friday.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Motloheloa Phooko, said the nation's expectation from new police officers is excellent service delivery and honesty at all times.

Dr. Phooko appealed to senior police officers to work hand in hand with the new ones and lead them accordingly in their respective duties.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Malejaka Letooane, said among many others, the main duties of the police is to prevent crimes, investigate crimes, safeguard and protect the nation, enforce the law, and arrest those who violate it (the law).

Mrs. Letooane further said, "The service is joined by men and women with certain skills and who understand that by joining the police service, they forget about themselves and put the security of others first".

She said such skills include intelligence, good discipline and others.

The Commissioner of police reminded the new police graduates of the police slogan which states that a police officer is a helper and a friend (Lepolesa Mothusi Motsoalle) of the people, and therefore encouraged them to put it in practice in their daily work.

Present at the occasion were Cabinet Ministers, Heads of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS), members of Lesotho Mounted Police (LMPS), parents of the graduates and the general public.

SOURCE: LENA 29/06/2007