A near half-century of service at the Regional Police Training Centre came to a close on Thursday as Commandant Rodney Archer announced his retirement, marking the end of a career that saw him serve in every rank within the institution and preside over a historic, gender-balanced graduating class.

Crowds erupted as officers carried out novelty acts during their march past at the police training facility in Sewell Christ Church. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts)

The announcement coincided with the graduation of Recruit Course 150, capping a stellar tenure for the only officer in the institution’s history to have served in every single capacity.