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Like most institutions, police forces across the world are modernising and adopting new methods and technologies in order to carry out their mandate in a better way. At the same time however, they are up against greater challenges, especially given the changing landscape of new and improved legislation on the protection and rights of citizens.
Unlike what some politicians and commentators would want us to believe, the Guyana Police Force is modernising and equipping itself to satisfy the expectations of citizens. It is a gradual process and one that has to relate to resources. The simple re-commissioning ceremony of the Cove and John Police Station earlier in the week is a significant reminder that the Force is undergoing changes. It is one of 18 police stations in the country that has benefited from the Citizen Security Programme as part of a comprehensive scheme of addressing issues of crime and violence.
Under the CSP, some 19 million dollars were spent on improving the physical infrastructure and the installation of facilities at Cove and John for enhanced efficiency and a more people-friendly environment. This is part of the modernisation of the Force where information technology has been introduced as part of the Integrated Crime Information System. This ICIS which is centralised at Force Headquarters and the Ministry of Home Affairs will ensure the availability of data at all times that will enable the senior hierarchy to analyze and take informed and timely decisions. This is a move in the direction from being reactive to proactive.
At Cove and John also, apart from general improvement in the working environment, there is the establishment of separate rooms for reporting incidents and giving statements where citizens feel more comfortable and secure in doing so with the desired feeling of confidence. This is particularly important for the increasing reports on sensitive and delicate issues such as domestic violence and child abuse.
The ceremony at Cove and John was significant in a number of ways. Commissioner Brumell openly and honestly declared the full support and confidence of himself and that of the force in Minister Rohee’s leadership. Why did Commissioner Brummel make that bold declaration? It is simply because he and his ranks have seen and experienced the approach and commitment of the minister in ensuring the professionalism of the Force as much as possible, as well as the continuous improvement in resources. This he said is there for all to see.
Commissioner Brumell can now expect some attention from Opposition Politicians and commentators.
Along the same vein, and not oblivious to the Opposition’s manoeuvres and obsession with him and the constant bantering that there is need for reform, Minister Rohee challenged anyone to demonstrate that the Guyana Police Force is not experiencing positive changes, changes that are part of a process of reform and modernisation. He urged them to ask questions,( not necessarily to him), assuring them that they will be better informed. But then again, many of them may not be interested in the truth.
While he did mention the increasing budgetary allocations for the Force, the minister need not mention that modernisation is a process that is comprehensive and wide-ranging and one that is gradual. It is not only what has happened at Cove and John and many other stations across the country, it is developing the human resources, providing the necessary tools and forging relations with communities to take ownership of their own security and well-being.
Mindful also of what he termed ‘a lack of public relations on the part of some members of the Force’, Minister Rohee called for greater improvement in treating with the public and always keeping in mind the motto of Service and Protection.
These sentiments were also echoed by Commander Bassant of C Division which is headquartered at Cove and John.
Unlike what some politicians and commentators would want us to believe, the Guyana Police Force is modernising and equipping itself to satisfy the expectations of citizens. It is a gradual process and one that has to relate to resources. The simple re-commissioning ceremony of the Cove and John Police Station earlier in the week is a significant reminder that the Force is undergoing changes. It is one of 18 police stations in the country that has benefited from the Citizen Security Programme as part of a comprehensive scheme of addressing issues of crime and violence.
Under the CSP, some 19 million dollars were spent on improving the physical infrastructure and the installation of facilities at Cove and John for enhanced efficiency and a more people-friendly environment. This is part of the modernisation of the Force where information technology has been introduced as part of the Integrated Crime Information System. This ICIS which is centralised at Force Headquarters and the Ministry of Home Affairs will ensure the availability of data at all times that will enable the senior hierarchy to analyze and take informed and timely decisions. This is a move in the direction from being reactive to proactive.
At Cove and John also, apart from general improvement in the working environment, there is the establishment of separate rooms for reporting incidents and giving statements where citizens feel more comfortable and secure in doing so with the desired feeling of confidence. This is particularly important for the increasing reports on sensitive and delicate issues such as domestic violence and child abuse.
The ceremony at Cove and John was significant in a number of ways. Commissioner Brumell openly and honestly declared the full support and confidence of himself and that of the force in Minister Rohee’s leadership. Why did Commissioner Brummel make that bold declaration? It is simply because he and his ranks have seen and experienced the approach and commitment of the minister in ensuring the professionalism of the Force as much as possible, as well as the continuous improvement in resources. This he said is there for all to see.
Commissioner Brumell can now expect some attention from Opposition Politicians and commentators.
Along the same vein, and not oblivious to the Opposition’s manoeuvres and obsession with him and the constant bantering that there is need for reform, Minister Rohee challenged anyone to demonstrate that the Guyana Police Force is not experiencing positive changes, changes that are part of a process of reform and modernisation. He urged them to ask questions,( not necessarily to him), assuring them that they will be better informed. But then again, many of them may not be interested in the truth.
While he did mention the increasing budgetary allocations for the Force, the minister need not mention that modernisation is a process that is comprehensive and wide-ranging and one that is gradual. It is not only what has happened at Cove and John and many other stations across the country, it is developing the human resources, providing the necessary tools and forging relations with communities to take ownership of their own security and well-being.
Mindful also of what he termed ‘a lack of public relations on the part of some members of the Force’, Minister Rohee called for greater improvement in treating with the public and always keeping in mind the motto of Service and Protection.
These sentiments were also echoed by Commander Bassant of C Division which is headquartered at Cove and John.
