The Barbados Police Service (BPS) held a highly successful recruitment fair on Saturday at the Police Sports Club in Weymouth, St Michael, to tackle a critical shortage of approximately 250 officers. The event attracted a steady flow of attendees throughout the day, with many arriving early to register and participate in on-the-spot preliminary interviews. Acting Senior Superintendent Stephen Herbert and Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ryan Brathwaite, who spoke at the opening ceremony, emphasized the growing staffing gap caused by retirements, illnesses, and career transitions. Brathwaite highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate numbers to ensure effective service to the nation, stating, ‘This is about building capacity. We have more people leaving the service than entering, so it is crucial to keep our numbers up.’ He also stressed that the fair aimed to showcase the diverse roles within policing, beyond just street-level enforcement. When questioned about a potential link to the recent rise in criminal activity, Brathwaite clarified that the event was part of ongoing efforts to maintain staffing levels rather than a direct response to recent incidents. Acting Sergeant Wendell Foster of the Special Operations Management Services echoed this sentiment, noting that many Barbadians only see a limited aspect of policing. He encouraged attendees to explore the various specialized units, such as forensics, cybercrime, and drone operations, which were showcased through live demonstrations. The fair also aimed to inspire a new generation of officers and help the public appreciate the complexity and high standards of modern policing. Brathwaite urged families to attend with young relatives, emphasizing the role of parents and guardians in career guidance. He added that the event provided an opportunity for individuals who had never considered policing to discover new possibilities.