Ex-Policeman develops new ID card system for GPF
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) will issue its new, highly secure identification cards to its ranks following the handing over, yesterday, by former Detective Sergeant Michael De Souza, now Technical Security Specialist attached to the World Bank.
The presentation took place in the Conference Room of Commissioner Henry Greene, at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
Mr. De Souza told the gathering he had been approached, this year, by Greene and Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis and requested to upgrade the GPF’s ID card system and discussed, with them, the replacement of the current IDs.
De Souza said, to get a more holistic solution, a Washington-based firm called RTKM was consulted.
He said he also met Mr. Maxwell Stephens, with whom he worked on the idea after it was accepted and recognised as a worthy cause.
De Souza said, after the specifications were developed, he ventured into the business community which made a contribution.
Greene commended him for his kind gesture and all his work and said it goes to show De Souza’s devotion and dedication to the GPF and his concern to give back something to it.
“This is a signal contribution. You came on board at a good time, when there were a lot of queries about solid identification cards. Now, when we produce these cards and give them to policemen and policewomen with photos, they will be recognised,” Greene assured De Souza
The Commissioner said he never met De Souza while he was in the Force but had the opportunity to meet him after and, having heard of him, he bestowed on him honorary membership of the Officers’ Mess and openly thanked him and his team for the valued assistance.
Greene acknowledged De Souza’s love for policing, security and support to the GPF.
The Commissioner said it has been recognised that the GPF does not have it all and needs public help.
Greene said the GPF cannot survive without that help, because of the need for information and testimony and the necessity for the identity of suspects who have been seen committing crimes.
“Sometimes we do things that are good and, at times, our reviews are on the bad side. Some people worked so close with us they recognise we need support and we cannot function effectively without their support,” he confessed.
The Commissioner disclosed that, sometimes, members of the Force lapse and do not do what they are supposed to and, likewise, people see others commit crimes but they are afraid to come forward and provide information or identify the criminals.
He said, even though the Police have a one-way mirror, persons are still hesitant to come forward and give that level of support.
After the formal ceremony, the media was given a demonstration of how the new IDs are produced.