Police Officers urged to win confidence of communities in which they function
HOME Affairs Minister Clement Rohee yesterday urged the batch of senior officers who successfully completed a 4-week training programme to employ a fashionable policing strategy, since members of the community are considered their customers, to win the confidence of the community so that they can give their support and cooperation to the police in all divisions. Delivering the feature address at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) closing ceremony for the Senior Officers’ Training Programme at Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary, Georgetown, yesterday, the minister stated that since Guyana is a multi-ethnic society, ranks should become aware of such in resolving conflicts. And they should be able to exercise good judgment and approach their tasks with an unbiased state of mind when dealing with complicated matters which may arise in the community.
The minister also asked the senior officers and ranks present to protect vulnerable groups of women and children, and adopt a zero-tolerance policy in dealing with domestic abuse against women and children, using the laws at their disposal for their protection.
He also encouraged his police audience to set an example from the top, and be good managers to the ranks in their command at all times.
With that view in mind, Rohee said his ministry has supported all community-based activities of the police as those related to the formation of scouts, youth groups, station management committees and community policing groups.
He noted that the police training course was designed to target senior officers who hold managerial positions, and the activity merely represented part of the journey of the Force in contributing to the development of the senior officers to better serve the country and its citizens.
The minister also talked about the changing nature of policing, and the effects and impact it has on the senior officers as well as the organization they represent.
He encouraged them to adopt the fundamental principles to foster effective policing.
Rohee said the way society is being policed has changed significantly, and he urged the senior officers to always be aware of their environment and its changes in managing the ranks under their command.
He added that the changes in the Force and type of policing have to be consistent with the rapid changes; and as senior managers, the officers should be aware of the issues of everyday life in order to effectively carry out their duties.
The minister also explained that, given the dynamics of crime/disorder, which usually have a negative impact/effect on the community and causes unnecessary fear, businesses are reluctant to operate. He asked senior officers to take note of such situations and act accordingly.
Rohee said he is aware of the impact of technology on the GPF, and since police forces around the world have adapted, Guyana is no exception, and should meet the challenges that technology poses.
The MoHA has been promoting computerizing of the Force, in which every rank will eventually become computer literate.
He noted that the government has been updating the legislation to address cyber crimes, and currently, MoHA is in the process of establishing a Critical Incidence Team (CIT) to address cyber attacks in Guyana, since, as a developing country, Guyana needs to protect its national interests.
At the end of his address, Rohee declared the ceremony closed.
Meanwhile, in remarks, acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell said there is possibility of a second such training programme for the Force, in which senior officers will also benefit since it boosts their capabilities in leading and managing positions of the Force.
He pointed out that the senior officers should also guide the ranks below them, act proficiently to protect citizens, and always work with the community and stakeholders to fight crime and traffic.
Brumell added that since the community depends on the police to maintain law and order, it is fitting that the police work hand in hand with members of the public to enhance their crime fighting capabilities.
The acting Commissioner told the gathering that senior officers should also take time to deal with members of the public, and members of the Community Policing Groups (CPGs).
He also talked of the changes in the GPF since implementation of the Citizen Security Programme (CSP) for the past four years, and of the resources they were provided by the MoHA.
During the Course Reflection, Woman Superintendent Maxine Graham said the course was an intense one, nevertheless the learning experience exposed them to current issues as well as other subjects pertinent to effective policing of today.
She noted the need for the police to be more proactive than reactive in their duties, and the importance of intelligence gathering and the mentoring of senior officers.
In remarks, Mr. D. Boston, head of the School of Professional Development at the University of Guyana (UG) said that the course was necessary to enable senior officers to effectively function as managers.
He noted that the course was designed for enhanced performance in competence, and also heightened skills for the senior officers to perform better at their jobs as leaders.
At the end of the ceremony 14 senior officers drawn from the GPF, Presidential Guard, the Guyana Prison Service and the City Constabulary were presented their certificates yesterday.