POLICE have been hitting the beat…….in more ways than one.
Aside from patrolling the streets of the TCI, officers are proving they have plenty of rhythm too.
The RTCI Police Combo Band has broken new ground by releasing a single which they hope will have islanders dancing the nights away.
And despite having only just hit the turntables, In The Party is already a big hit with fans.
Keyboard player, Sgt Carl Lightbourne, explained: “We are proud to have released this new single and we hope everyone enjoys it. It’s our first ever and we are really pleased with it.
“It’s a number designed to get people on their feet and having a good time, and so far the feedback has been really encouraging and supportive.
“The band is all about having fun and giving something back to the community. Recording In The Party was a great experience and we are hoping to write and record more of our own work in the future.”
The RTCI Police Combo Band has been going for many years and was particularly popular in the 80s and 90s.
In The Party was written by American-based record producer David Lightbourne, aka Jak – a TC islander and brother of Carl – and he’s hoping it will see the band’s popularity surge once more.
He explained: “For me it’s been a pleasure to have worked on this single. I grew up listening to The RTCI Police Combo Band and in those days people truly loved and appreciated associating with the police and listening to the music.
“As a result they were willing to support and help the police in their work and there was a really strong bond between the community and the force – something we hope we can help strengthen once more through this song.
“The band, and this project in particular, demonstrate the human, friendly face of the RTCI Police and I’m certain it will go a long way towards even better engagement, especially between officers and young people.”
The RTCI Police Band is made up of Sgt Carl Lightbourne (keyboards), PC Stanley Landy (drums/vocals), Sgt Malcolm Smith (bass), PC Michael Francois (vocals) and PC Jago Moore (vocals).
Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquhar, added: “This is a fantastic initiative and I congratulate The RTCI Police Combo Band on their excellent single.
“We are a diverse service with many talented people from many different backgrounds and our officers do so much great work out in the community such as music, sport and charity events.
“I am sure everyone will thoroughly enjoy listening to the song and here’s hoping the band will go on to enjoy many more successes in the future.”
Anyone wishing to download the track can do so at http://www.mediafire.com/?5n03zeenss8p81z
