– Ranks to benefit from 24 courses
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) as part of the Citizens Security Programme yesterday commenced the first of 24 courses from a Comprehensive Training Plan, which will be conducted over the next nine months with the aim of enhancing capacities within the Force.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, in his remarks, said the programme is part of a more widespread strategic plan that will lead to a transformation of the Force’s operations and affirms Government’s unwavering support towards the upgrading of the Security Sector.

The Minister said that in recognition of the evolving nature of the security needs of society, it has become mandatory for training within the Force to evolve as well. He said similar adjustments have been taking place within the criminal justice system, in which the GPF also plays an integral role.

Rohee also urged participating ranks to see the programme as one that is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional.

Apart from this programme, there are several additional training courses that have already been embarked upon.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), these include training of recruits, cadet training, training programmes that are done overseas, as well as those that are earmarked to come on stream during the course of the strategic plan.

Programme Director, David Bodie, from the Emergence Group explained that the programme is uniquely designed by the Force to assist in the implementation of their various strategies and that it is also a response to meet six security needs that were identified in Guyana.

He said the courses are very interactive and provide a modern learning theory which will equip officers with the much needed skills, knowledge, attitude and tools to be affective in executing their duties.

The first batch that completes the courses will be tasked with training other batches to ensure sustainability of the programme.

Bodie disclosed that a four-step procedure will be used to carry out the evaluation process which is heavily based on the participant’s ability to incorporate the training in discharging their duties and increasing their job performance.

This programme complements and consolidates the Home Affairs Ministry’s ongoing modernisation process whose objective is to ensure a positive transformation of all the agencies that fall under its responsibility.

Government’s efforts to improve the security sector have seen a number of initiatives being taken under scrutiny. These include: more emphasis on crime prevention, capacity building of the key Law enforcement Agencies (the GPF in particular), and the improvement of the justice system aided by a massive legislative framework.