September 11, 2023, Kingstown: Corporal of Police, No. 808 Mrs. Verna John has graduated
with a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from Kings Graduate College, Rochelle Campus
in New York – Magna Cum Laude (With Great Distinction).
Cpl. John who graduated on October 16, 2021, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a
Minor in Youth Development Work, with First Class Honors from the University of the West
Indies, Global Campus, commenced her graduate studies in January 2022 at the Kings Graduate
College in St. Lucia before transferring to the sister college in New York, USA.
With a feeling of joy and satisfaction John said “I fell in love with psychology during my
undergraduate studies, and after giving it some thought, I concluded that forensic psychology
worked well with social work and could also be used in the police organization and, by
extension, the criminal justice system. As a police officer, I place a high value on having a
thorough understanding of psychology, criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and how
they interact.”
John admitted that ‘fear’ was a big challenge for her during the early stage of her educational
journey. She said “Initially, fear was my biggest challenge; fortunately, I did not allow my fear
of inadequacy and self-doubts to paralyze or immobilize me. As time progressed, my fears
became my most excellent motivator and success became my mindset. I relied heavily on God
and one of the many scriptures that helped me stay focused during the course of my studies is "I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.
Cpl. John completed her internship at the Freedom Youth Family and Justice Center in New
York as a Case Manager.
Her roles and responsibilities included – counseling youths, and
completing intake assessments of survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. Her
internship afforded her the opportunity to work with the Department of Homeland Security, the
New York Police Department (NYPD), and the Administration for Children Services (ACS). She
is currently completing her Optional Practical Training (OPT) as a Mental Health Therapist at a
Mental Health Outpatient Agency in Pennsylvania.
“I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to God for his unfailing love and strength,
as well as to my family and friends for supporting me during this journey, the Government of
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Commissioner of Police, and by extension the RSVGPF”
Cpl. John said.
The Commissioner of Police and the members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Police Force extend congratulations to Cpl. Verna John on her academic achievement and wish
her the very best as she develops herself, which will redound to the benefit of the organization
and the country.
