Urmila shines in male dominated training
ADVANCED PROSECUTION COURSE
Mother of two Constable Urmila Gaunder yesterday paid tribute to her late father after scooping the Best All Rounder award at the Advanced Prosecution Course 2017 graduation at the Suvavou House.
“If he (father) was alive he would have been very proud of me at this juncture,” Ms Gaunder said looking back at the three decades her dad served in the Fiji Police Force. Constable Gaunder was the only female out of the seven recipients of special awards with the Best All Rounder award. She graduated with 40 prosecutors. “I am so proud today especially to be given such a prestigious award in a course that is male dominated,” said Ms Gaunder who has served for 10 years in the Police Force.
She thanked her husband and two sons for their support. “I thank my husband for understanding my work environment and always supporting me,” Ms Gaunder said.
The six-week course was an eye opener for her.
“We learnt a lot of things, especially being in the police prosecution and I am glad to have been given this opportunity,” she said.
They were trained in analysing criminal dockets, ethics they must uphold as Police prosecutors, tactics of handling criminals, advocacy in court and in the public.
She said they were also tested on their knowledge and skills on how to handle evidence.
“This will help in court especially the effective procedures I need to follow and dealing with people’s background.”
She is currently a law student at the University of the South Pacific and hopes that the training help her fulfill her dreams to graduate with flying colours. “Sometimes we women aren’t given much importance in our area of work but this award proves that a woman can achieve great things in a male dominated institution.”