Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee while acknowledging that the Guyana Police Force has been making inroads in criminal activities, having achieved several successes thus far for the year, lamented that the judicial process is hampering the force’s work.

Speaking to reporters after the hand-over of a vehicle to the Enmore Community Policing Group at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Minister Rohee expressed dissatisfaction over the court process which hampers police progress and makes it difficult for it to effectively carry out its mandate of providing a crime-free society.

Reports have shown that the police had many recent successes. However, some cases are constantly being adjourned due to eye-witnesses not coming forward, and this eventually leads to cases being dismissed allowing criminals to go free.

“Too often the police (are) apprehending suspects in many cases, present reports to the DPP who recommend certain charges, and these persons appear before the court and their cases are adjourned … and reasonable time evaporates and their cases are dismissed,” he said.

Minister Rohee added that too often the welfare of perpetrators when apprehended by the police is of concern to certain sections of society, rather than the welfare of victims who suffered.

“What about the persons who are affected? … I rarely see persons paying attention to the victims,” he said,

Addressing concerns raised over the condition of the Brickdam lock-ups, Minister Rohee noted that this and other lock-ups are soon to be rehabilitated. He advised that persons need to keep out of trouble if they do not want to be thrown into the lock- ups.

“If you don’t want to go in police lock-ups, stay out of trouble. Walk the straight and narrow line. Once you want to commit an infraction of the law and are apprehended, you have to suffer the consequences,” he said.

Several new projects are expected to commence soon, including work on the forensic laboratory, the police training centre and the rehabilitation of several other police stations. (GINA)