-Emphasis placed on growth and expansion of CPG system
THE Home Affairs Ministry yesterday hosted a retreat which saw the involvement of 29 Community Policing Groups (CPGs) within C Division (East Coast Demerara) at the Chateau Margot Primary School. The activity is the first of several that will be held in all seven police divisions across the country.
The retreat specifically targets former, non-functioning and potential members of CPGs and Rural Constables (RCs) within Community Policing Organisations. The aim is to allow members to air concerns affecting the community policing system and propose workable solutions to ensure further growth and expansion of this vital arm of law enforcement.
Delivering his remarks, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said, “These activities were organised to appraise and assess the groups in relation to the role they have played in the community policing system.
He said that building and expanding CPGs is a mandate that was given to the Ministry by government in recognition of the fact that these groups play an effective role in the overall crime fighting strategy.
“Community police must work together with the police; and for that to happen, there must be a cordial and transparent relationship between these two agencies,” Minister Rohee asserted.
He noted that the only persons who benefit from the lack of co-ordination and co-operation between the police and CPGs are the criminals. He added that any police officer or CPG member who tries to stoke the fire of animosity between the two crime fighting organisations would be doing a great disservice to the community and by extension, the country at large.
He urged members to remain focused on the “big picture”, which is the right of people in any community, to live in peace and security. The Minister also cautioned against bringing personal issues in the CPG system, as too often, this leads to division and side-tracking from the main objective.
CPG members were also urged to make constructive criticisms during their deliberations which will leave them in a better, more informed position in dealing with crime.
“We want to hear criticisms that will help build and expand the influence of the CPGs,” Minister Rohee said.
Divisional Commander Gavin Primo said that the retreat is the opportune time to deal with issues affecting the proper functioning of the CPGs within the C Division.
“Security does not start or end with the police but rather it must have the involvement of communities,” he said.
After the opening ceremony, members were divided into three groups where facilitators conducted workshops on the problems affecting CPGs, and ways of promoting expansion and improving relations among CPGs, police and communities.   (GINA)