SWAT team active, says top cop
Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine
Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

THE Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Guyana Police Force is active, and continues to benefit from training while undertaking other security functions as necessary, acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine said.Ramnarine, who was responding to a letter carried in the columns of another publication, said the unit’s commanding officer and his subordinates have been reminded to pay constant and more direct attention to the daily administration of the elite team of officers.

He assured that the SWAT Unit is mentally and physically sound, under very good administration, focused and ready to effectively respond in fulfillment of its role and functions.

The specially trained team of officers was first unveiled after completing training in February of 2014 and has been called upon by the force to support other law enforcement officers during operations.

According to Ramnarine, the team successfully completed two training engagements of an operational nature, one of which was undertaken in collaboration with the Joint Services in January this year while another was undertaken on Police Day at Durban Park in May.

“These aside, it continues to engage in the training of all the divisional anti-crime patrols in the country,” Ramnarine said.

The acting ‘top cop’ noted that the unit has provided security for VIPs, performed high profile escorts and played a leading role, in collaboration with over 50 other officers and ranks during a major anti-crime operation on the East Coast of Demerara some two weeks ago.

“So they are really very active. The issue of personal firearms has always been the Achilles heel of certain members of the Force, as much as it is with the average public,” he said.
Ramnarine noted that in November this year, the Police Force will unveil a new state-of-the art gymnasium and all ranks, including members of the SWAT team will benefit from the facility. He explained that while fitness is considered a personal choice, ranks are required to be fit.

Regarding the environment where the ranks are housed, he refuted information which suggested that the external environment is an insanitary one.

“Even though it is a fact that due to the rehabilitation of an important unit infrastructure, in close proximity, a level of discomfiture was envisaged and is being minimised,” he said.

Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner Ramnarine, while addressing the issue of crime in the ancient county (Berbice), assured that the situation there does not necessitate the SWAT Unit’s presence.

“B Division is currently experiencing a 13 per cent decrease overall in serious crimes when compared with the same period in 2015,” he said.

He noted that the only serious crime which has increased in Berbice is murder and the figure stands at 23 cases as opposed to 17 for the corresponding period last year.

Other forms of serious crimes such as robbery under arms involving the use of firearms or other instrument, rape, break and enter and larceny, burglary and robbery with violence, have all been reduced, he added.

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