Police Commissioner Henry Greene yesterday said that he is satisfied with the work done by the police this year despite some unsavory incidents which involved the use of excessive force by some policemen.

Awardees with the Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene at the ceremony yesterday.

He was at the time addressing the Guyana Police Force (GPF) annual Awards Ceremony for Best Cop, Sportsman and Woman 2009 at Officer’s Mess, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

He noted that the police have been working long hours without complaint about their conditions and salaries, and announced that serious crimes for this year is at minus 11 as compared to 2008.

Greene pointed out that murders are down by 31% and 92 firearms were taken off the streets this year too.

The Top Cop said that 17 persons were fatally shot by the police in confrontations this year, while 12 persons were killed by the police last year.

He said that the police have solved two kidnappings this year too and the perpetrators have since been charged and placed behind bars as a result of swift intelligence and work.

The Best Cop, Trevor Reid, and the runner-up, Sherlock Houston posing with their trophies.

The police also cracked a major hijacking ring in the city and in Berbice eight men who were part of two gangs were arrested and charged after committing many armed robberies.

“We are not saying that there are no crimes but we are doing what we are supposed to do,” he said.

Greene told the gathering that the Office of Professional Responsibilities (OPR) received 162 complaints in 2008, and this year they are in receipt of 180 complaints, an increase of 11% which clearly shows that the system is working against policemen who portray deviant behaviours.

The Commissioner noted that so far 62 ranks are before the courts for various crimes, and pointed out not all ranks are involved in crimes.

Regarding road fatalities this year, Greene said in 95 road accidents 114 persons died this year, while in 2008, in 93 road accidents, 105 persons were killed.

He revealed that speeding and inattentiveness are the major contributors of fatalities on the roads based on traffic headquarters records.

The Commissioner said too that the GPF has always recognised the good work of their policemen and women over the years.

He recalled that years ago there used to be an award for policeman of the year and there were twice yearly awards also, as well as a best driver award.

The Commissioner added that motivation is the thing that breeds recognition and awards ceremony are intended for monetary pay out to ranks who performed well.

Greene pointed out that all who did well were recognised and awarded for their efforts despite the bad press recently regarding a few incidents involving several policemen who have since been placed before the courts.

The Top Cop said, “I say to you do what is right and continue to do good work.”

He also talked of an article which was published in a section of the print media about the head of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) who accused the GPF of wrongdoings and extra judicial killings.

Greene yesterday urged GHRA to come forward with the evidence of such accusations.

Greene said that police training requires the use of minimal force and ranks who use excessive force will be placed before the courts and charged.

The incentives for Best Cops, Sportsman/woman and Sports
Personality for 2009 are as follows:

Best Divisional Cops – Sergeant Sherlock Houston – ‘A’ Division; Lance Corporal Alli – ‘B’ Division; Sergeant Burnette ‘C’ Division; Woman Sergeant Abrams – ‘D’ Division; Sergeant Alexander “E & F’ Division; Corporal English ‘G’ Division; and Inspector Reid of Headquarters. They all received $100,000 in cash and a trophy each.

The Best Cop is Inspector Trevor Reid, who got $150,000 in cash and a plaque.

The Best Cop runner-up is Sergeant Sherlock Houston, who received $125,000 in cash and a trophy.

Meanwhile, the Male Sports Personality is Lance Corporal Mangru, who got $50,000 in cash and a trophy.

The Female Sports Personality was given to Station Sergeant Phillips who also received $50,000 in cash and a trophy.

The Sportswoman of 2009 is Constable Alder, who got $50,000 in cash and a trophy.

The Sportsman is Lance Corporal Randolph Morgan who was presented $50,000 in cash and a trophy.

The total payout for this year is $1,175,000.

The total payout from 1990 to 2009 amounted to $144,660.000.

Commendation and awards were also given to Community Policing Groups representatives BK International and North American Resources.

In addition, the Best Cop, Trevor Reid, was given a dinner for two at Roraima Inn and a trip to Kaieteur Falls by Captain Gerald Gouveia.