RECENTLY, a Chronicle editorial, more or less, seemed to say that although they were a few bad apples in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the GPF was trying to do a good job. Unfortunately, there are more than a few bad apples, the rotten ones are infecting others and tarnishing the GPF’s image. Once again, we read of two policemen involved in criminal activities; it is especially disturbing when they are members of the CID.

There is a suspicion that the oversight of the GPF is too timid because of political reasons. This factor has led to the security services enjoying more freedom than is warranted in a democratic system. Civilian oversight is absolutely necessary if these services are to be answerable to the public and not entities unto themselves. There is a vast difference between charges of interference by politicians, and effective, legitimate oversight of policies, procedures and performances.

The first step in any reform lies with an upgrade in personnel and supervision. AK47s, armoured cars, SWAT or FBI training will not magically make the force better. Time for government to take a hard look at the pay scales and skills required for a professional and effective force and adjust it realistically, while seeking to upgrade personnel from inside or outside Guyana. The government must enlist the support of the Parliament in improving laws, prosecutions and courts to tackle a serious crime problem affecting all Guyanese. This is the only way to make the good apples better and remove the bad ones.