TWO more rehabilitated police stations commissioned on Saturday at Providence and Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara completely outfitted with modern amenities such as an interviewing room designed to guarantee privacy when dealing with sensitive matters as child abuse and domestic violence and a highly computerised system.
This project is part of the modernisation component of the Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP), which is a project funded by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development (IDB).
The computerised system will enable the transmission of vital information to the Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS) and the Home Affairs Ministry which will then be analysed; thereby allowing for a better coordinated and effective security sector.
In order to ensure that this system works effectively, Government will be hiring approximately 60 data entry clerks to work at the various stations; with the ultimate objective of having information transmitted on a “real-time” basis.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee who delivered remarks at both locations said that the East Bank corridor has been rapidly expanding in leaps and bounds, not only in population but also in terms of investments/commercial activities. This fact, places an even greater responsibility on ranks within that particular police district.
“People look to the Force for the kind of service and protection that they are entitled to and which the police are duly mandated to provide,” he said.
He explained that the physical improvement of a station does not have any meaning without the commitment of adequately trained ranks and called on the officers to execute their duties with integrity and professionalism at all times.
This move will go a far way in addressing some of the qualms voiced by citizens over the years, particularly as it relates to expediency or lack thereof and, generally take law enforcement to a higher level.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell expressed his gratitude to government for its constant support to the Force and told ranks who would be stationed at the rehabilitated facilities that the, “upgrade of the stations beckons an upgrade in their conduct and professionalism as well.”
Meanwhile, Project Coordinator, Khemraj Rai spoke of the various components of the CSP, particularly as it relates to the modernisation of the Guyana Police Force and Home Affairs Ministry.
Eighteen stations have been rehabilitated under the CSP; six in Region 6 and 12 in Region 4 (between Mahaica and Timehri).
In September 2011, several contracts totalling $134.5M were signed as part of the CSP, for the rehabilitation of the police stations.