THIS year will see the enhancement of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s crime-prevention strategies and work plan as the agency reviews a list of recommendations made during its annual officers’ conference, held from 26-28 January, 2017.

The conference held under the theme “Forging ahead with professionalism and intelligence-led policing in collaboration with stakeholders” saw the attendance of 165 officers. According to a statement, police said President, David Granger, addressed the conference on day two and gave his assurance that the Government is determined to implement strategies aimed at transforming the GPF to meet the current and future demands of Guyana. He said there should be enhanced focus on education and training, ethical standards and social responsibility.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who delivered the feature address at the opening of the conference for his part, congratulated the force for a job well done in 2016. The Prime Minister charged officers to be ever vigilant of their performance, considering at all times the high expectations of the Commander-in-Chief, and the country as a whole.

Further, Public Security Minister and Second Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan during his address to the conference congratulated the GPF but urged officers to conduct continuous introspection with a view of transforming the force to meet the challenges of a fast changing society.
Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud also spoke at the event.

Police said that for 2017 the GPF will focus on issues surrounding crime, conduct of Police ranks, Audit and Inspection, Training and work plan, Implementation of Team Policing, Public Relations Development and Police Association, Issues and recommendations. During the conference, special recognition was also given to the COPs and Faith Community Network for their contribution to Guyana through GPF.

This recognition took the form of a plaque awarded to members of the Group. Recognition was also given to the Justice Education Society of Canada for their contribution in training, and the Zara Group which boosted the capacity of the Force and contributed to the graduation of 3,572 civilians across Guyana in the areas of MS Office 2007, Foundation & Advance Office 2007 and PC Repairs, and Networking.

The police said too that the conference also engaged key stakeholders in the form of the Force Chaplain Pastor P. Doolichand, Police Legal Advisor, Justice Claudette Singh, CCH, SC, Justice Brassington Reynolds, Mrs. Patricia Bisnauth-Sheerattan, Executive Director, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, Mr. Gerry Gouveia, Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways and a member of the Private Sector Commission who delivered timely and meaningful presentations to officers.

The conference culminated with the traditional Dinner at the Police Officers’ Mess where a total of 11 officers with an accumulated 325 years of service were dined out and nine newly promoted officers were dined in. The Guest Speaker was the Reverend Dr. R. Massiah, Chairman of the Guyana Police Force Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc.