The UWI Global Campus, Barbados. Tuesday, August 04, 2026—A landmark partnership between The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus and the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) has produced the first cohort of 19 police officers, who were formally trained through a Crime Scene Investigators Workshop, marking a significant step in strengthening evidence-based policing and the professional development of law enforcement officers in Barbados.
The graduates, comprising police constables and sergeants, successfully completed the Basic Crime Scene Investigation and Management course, which was facilitated by the Forensic Scenes of Crime Unit of The Barbados Police Service and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), at the Regional Police Training Centre (RPTC). The intensive workshop equipped participants with practical and theoretical knowledge in crime scene management, scene preservation and documentation, evidence collection, collision investigation, fingerprint development, DNA and biological evidence, forensic photography, electronic evidence, ballistics and courtroom presentation.
Addressing the graduation ceremony held on Friday, July 17, Deputy Commissioner of Police; Mr. Adrian Broomes described the workshop as a major milestone in police training. He stated, "This year's training course is the third on this topic, but it marks a significant historic milestone because it is the first formal collaboration with The UWI Global Campus." Deputy Commissioner Broomes said the workshop demonstrates the Barbados Police Service's continued investment in developing highly skilled investigators equipped to meet the demands of modern policing. Describing the partnership as far more than symbolic, he added that it combines operational policing with academic excellence to produce officers who are not only competent practitioners, but also lifelong learners committed to research, theory and evidence-based practice. "By aligning ourselves with The UWI Global Campus, we affirm that policing is not simply a vocation. It is a profession grounded in knowledge, ethics and continuous development."
Head of Site, The UWI Global Campus, Barbados, Mr. Ryan H. Byer, said the collaboration is an important step towards the formal credentialing of training programmes delivered through the Regional Police Training Centre and reflects The UWI's commitment to providing industry-relevant education that responds to national and regional needs. He noted that the partnership aligns with The UWI's "Triple A" Strategic Plan of Access, Alignment and Agility by expanding access to quality tertiary education, strengthening alignment through academic-industry partnerships, and enhancing institutional agility through innovative collaborations.
Mr. Byer also encouraged the Barbados Police Service to build on the partnership by taking advantage of additional professional development opportunities through The UWI Global Campus, including the online Certificate programmes in Community-Based Policing and Criminology, as well as programmes in Counselling, Supervisory Management and Psychology. He commended the Regional Police Training Centre team, led by Commandant Rodney Archer, Deputy Commandant Lawrence Collymore and course coordinator Sergeant Mauricio Chase, for their dedication and collaborative spirit in making the programme a success.
Graduates said the workshop enhanced their confidence and strengthened their ability to conduct crime scene investigations to a professional standard. They also recognised the value and prestige associated with The UWI brand. Past UWI graduate Sergeant Roz' Marie Ward-Waterman, who was also awarded for being the Best Overall Student, noted that "such a distinguished achievement [of being inducted into The UWI Global Campus] will not only add value and a core of professionalism to the Barbados Police Service through each participant of the Basic Crime Scene Investigation and Management Course, but it is the foundation that will usher The Barbados Police Service into a more sapient driven atmosphere.”
The partnership between The UWI Global Campus and the Barbados Police Service underscores a shared commitment to raising professional standards, strengthening investigative capacity and promoting continuous learning within the law enforcement community. The graduation of the inaugural cohort of Crime Scene Investigators represents an investment in the future of policing in Barbados, ensuring that officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and recognised credentials required to manage crime scenes effectively, preserve the integrity of evidence and support the administration of justice.
The graduating class along with industry tutors, the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) fraternity and members of The UWI Global Campus.
Sergeant Roz’ Marie Ward-Waterman received her certificate from Deputy Commissioner of Police Adrian Broomes, while Deputy Commandant Regional Police Training Centre Mr. Lawrence Collymore assisted.
Mr. Ryan H. Byer, Head, Global Campus Site, Barbados bringing remarks on behalf of The UWI Global Campus.
About The University of the West Indies
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.
Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.
Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.
The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.
