FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA, November 10, 2026 — For 19-year-old Constable Rico Thompson Jr, joining the Royal Bahamas Police Force meant following in his father’s footsteps. But he never expected his father would become one of his instructors during his six-month training programme in Grand Bahama.
Assistant Superintendent Rico Thompson Sr, who oversees specialised police training, travelled to Grand Bahama to train his son’s squad, describing the experience as the highlight of his 23-year career.
Speaking to The Tribune, Thompson Jr recalled the experience of being trained by his father. “I felt like he went extra hard because of me, so it was very memorable,” he said. “Growing up around the training college, seeing what he does to the recruits, I got to feel what that was like also.”
The father and son shared an emotional embrace during the November 4 graduation ceremony, where Thompson Jr was among 36 new officers. His father told him how proud he was of his achievement.
“All I ever wanted to do was make my daddy proud. So that’s why it was very emotional for me to actually hear him say it,” Thompson Jr told The Tribune.
Inspired by his father since childhood, Thompson Jr initially enrolled at the University of The Bahamas before deciding to pursue policing. Although his father had hoped he would follow a career in music, he eventually supported his son’s decision, insisting that he complete the recruitment process independently.
ASP Thompson Sr said he witnessed his son’s growth throughout training and was especially proud when fellow recruits described him as their best driller. Thompson Jr now hopes to encourage other young Bahamians to consider careers in law enforcement.
Source: Bahamas Latest