COMMISSIONER Henry Greene said yesterday that, despite the challenges of 2009, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has done its work.
He highlighted their successes at the opening of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference at Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
Mr. Greene said, with their motto being ‘Service and Protection’, they reduced the rate of serious crimes in 2009 by nine per cent and robbery under arms went down by 32 per cent, when compared to 2008.
He said instances of gun crimes also declined by 11 per cent in 2009 and work with the Joint Services put criminals before the Courts.
Greene said, in the area of traffic, 113 persons died in 2008 while 117 lost their lives in 2009, as a result of speeding and drunk driving.
He said those charged for driving and using cellular phones numbered 375 and noted that the total disregard of road users for the traffic laws resulted in 1,000 cases before the Courts.
With regard to narcotics, Greene said 107 drug houses were targeted locally and, from 608 searches, 27 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) and 251 kilogrammes of cocaine caused 251 persons to be charged.
The Commissioner exhorted the ranks to take reports from persons who visit the Enquiries Offices and do their duty as it relates to complaints lodged at the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
He pointed out that 199 complaints were recorded in 2009 in comparison to 178 in 2008 and, presently, there are 114 cases pending at OPR.
Greene also spoke of collaborative efforts with overseas counterparts in crime fighting.
He recalled that, at last year’s conference, they concentrated on the areas of crime, drug trafficking, domestic violence, traffic, recruitment, training, relations with citizens, intelligence and information technology.
Greene mentioned, as well, that, in 2009, the GPF recruited 368 persons, more than the 268 in the previous year and, so far, for 2010, 243 persons were interviewed and tested during several recruitment drives countrywide and are awaiting their results.
The 2010 Conference was declared open by President Bharrat Jadgeo under the theme ‘Providing effective security through improved Police-Community relations’ and Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee was among the Ministers and special invitees present.