– Ramlakhan

THE GUYANA Police Force (GPF) creation of WhatsApp police -public interface groups has been working exceptionally well, creating an unprecedented information gateway for all contacts within all divisions of the force.
When asked about the benefits since its creation months ago, Head of the Police Public Relations (PR) Unit, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan said the WhatsApp groups were created to encourage the free flow of information amongst the police and stakeholders.
“Considering the potential of social media in sharing information and improving police-public interface, WhatsApp groups act as virtual police stations since the non-formal channel of communication enables immediate action,” Superintendent Ramlakhan noted.

He added that this results in an enhanced interaction with the public and also provides police with better local intelligence inputs.
He explained that the six WhatsApp groups are very effective and serve the intended purposes.
“We have seen a more cordial and professional approach by everyone involved in creating a more safe and healthy atmosphere in the various police divisions as never seen before. Fewer complaints are coming from members of the public and the media is more informed and very much supported of works of law enforcement,” the superintendent said.

Ramlakhan said the PR unit on a regular basis organises, coordinates and monitors free air time appearance of all Divisional Commanders and their key officers on television and radio stations in their respective divisions, while members of the public get an opportunity to ask questions after the officers’ first disclose their crime fighting strategies.
Meanwhile, he explained that the production of fortnightly Newsletters of community relations activities and the monthly Copper magazines also highlights core police activities.
He said these newsletters also include the profiles of all ranks retiring for the current year and the creation of quarterly essays to stimulate and promote the skill of writing amongst police ranks.

The unit also updates their police Facebook and website pages to boost the information and works of the police force.
These WhatsApp groups include: GPF Commanders, Detectives and Traffic Heads; GPF Community Relations and Media Relations Officer; GPF and the Media Team; GPF TV and Radio Programme; GPF and Mayors; GPF and Private Sector Commission and Chambers of Commerce and the GPF Community Policing Groups.