THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reported on the outcome of its third Inspectors and Sergeants Conference, which took   place on Friday January 21, at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown, under the theme ‘Towards greater   efficiency in managing Police Stations/Outposts’. One hundred and ninety-six inspectors and sergeants, from the Divisions and Branches of the Force attended and concerns and   issues were raised by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Greene, a   release said.
It said, in addition, 31 Cadet Officers, many of whom are functioning in Sub-Divisions overseeing stations and outposts,   attended, as part of their training and preparation to undertake responsibilities, at higher levels of the GPF, in the   future.
The release said the conference was heartened by Rohee’s opening remarked, in which he commended the GPF Administration, on   the organisation of the event at the beginning of the year, noting that it will not be an ordinary one for the country and   the Force, due to the imminent General Elections.
The release said he expressed the view that the conference was critical to the proper functioning of the Force in many   respects.
He identified a number of its benefits, which included the opportunity of allowing him to enlighten the inspectors and   sergeants, as middle level managers, on some of the Government’s policies on the security of the country; to bring to their   notice the concerns of the Home Affairs Ministry, as regards their performances and the provision of a unique forum to air   their concerns to their superiors and make suggestions for the improvement of the delivery of service to the public by the   rank and file of the Force.
The release mentioned his serious concern over a number of issues that are critical to good policing, including community   cooperation and support, improvement in the support for Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and Neighbourhood Policing by   junior ranks of the Force, enhancement of the work of Station Management Committees, more vibrant leadership from the   inspectors and sergeants and professionalism.

Complaints
The statement said he observed that too many complaints of unacceptable and inappropriate conduct by Police ranks continue   to be lodged at his ministry and he called for greater efforts, by the middle managers, to stamp out those tendencies.
It said he admonished members of the Force, particularly inspectors and sergeants, as police managers, to be properly   prepared for the General Elections, this year, through knowledge of the laws relating to the duties of members of the Force   during the elections period, especially as it relates to the Public Order Act and the provision of training and welfare   facilities for junior ranks and to have a better understanding of the current status of the Citizen Security Project.
He also said it is the hope, in 2011, that there will be better accountability, both financial and management, by   inspectors and sergeants; heightened activities to reduce incidents of crime and traffic violations; early preparations for   the upcoming General Elections; promotion of greater awareness of the need for security in the communities; an expansion  of  Neighbourhood Policing; greater collaboration with citizens to combat crime; the expansion and revitalisation of  Station  Management Committees and a reduction in allegations of corruption against ranks.
Greene emphasised that the conference was aimed at improving efficiency and professionalism in the Force, by providing a   forum where inspectors and sergeants can be part of the decision making process, with the exchange of information, ideas,   thoughts and concerns about issues that can make the Force stronger.
He said, as well, that the conference created an opportunity for camaraderie and lateral communication in order to produce   better working relationships.
Greene likened the participants to the stabilising force that balances the scale for issues that come from below or higher   up and challenged them to set the example for their juniors, urging that they guide their subordinates in a professional   manner and take a personal interest in their development, instilling discipline where necessary.

Affected
He said, sometimes, inspectors and sergeants sell themselves short, because they allow themselves to be treated like   ordinary ranks and advised the middle managers that, once they allow the dividing line that identifies their position to be   removed, their respective roles and authority will be affected.
Greene also threw out a challenge to the conference attendees to participate, meaningfully, as it can lead to an   understanding of the current environment and thrust of the Force – where it is going and how it intends to get there –   encouraging them to put their shoulders to the wheel and perform fearlessly for the benefit of the Force, making an impact   in the community and managing stations properly, which can alleviate a number of complaints from the public.
The statement said that, during the deliberations, there was meaningful interaction, between officers of the Force’s senior   management team and officials of the Home Affairs Ministry and the inspectors and sergeants, on matters critical to the   better management of stations. These included a security brief, issues in relation to the Criminal Investigations   Department (CID), personnel management, police conduct, outreach to the public, youth clubs, scouts, gymkhana, band   concerts cultural shows, the community action component of the citizen security programme, the crime observatory, the   integrated crime information system and the Force’s strategic plan.
Several group presentations were done by inspectors and sergeants from Divisions and Branches, during which key issues and   concerns were outlined and addressed, among them:

* Preparation for General Elections;
* Force response to members of the public;
* Improving pubic relations at stations and in communities;
* Managing stations;
* Security at stations;
* Training;
* Border security;
* Community policing and
* Neighbourhood Policing.

At the conclusion of the one-day agenda, the inspectors and sergeants attended a social function, at the Police Officers’   Mess, that was also attended by Greene and officers of the Force’s Senior Management Team, the statement said.