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IT HAS been recognized that the world is becoming a more dangerous place in which to live. The reasons put forward are many, and very few countries can claim not to be bothered. What is clear, however, is that small developing countries are more vulnerable when the availability of resources is factored in. This week, the CSP Column continues to highlight the thrust of the Ministry of Home Affairs in ensuring that the Guyana Police Force is equipped, as much as possible, to address the issues of crime and violence in the country. It is realizing the Modernisation and Institutional Strengthening of the Force, a key component of the Citizen Security Programme.
The recent signing of a G$26 million contract between the Citizen Security Programme/Ministry of Home Affairs and the UK-based Capita Symonds Consultancy constitutes a major component of the Strategic Plan for the GPF. It targets four specific areas with respect to the modernisation of the Force, namely:
• Strengthening the Administration of the Force with particular reference to standards of recruitment and retention of staff
• Succession planning to develop a sustainable approach to career planning and retention of Cadet Officers.
• Public Relations/Communication for a modern and responsive approach in relating with the media and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Integrity/Probity with a mission to improve the professionalism of the Force by strengthening its accountability and instigating a more rigorous approach to development in integrity.
These are all aimed at improving and enhancing the efficiency of the Force . The first phase of this Consultancy will last for four to six weeks.
This programme envisages major changes in the way the Force operates and it is well known that changes in any organization are not easy to execute, especially in one structured along the lines of a Police Force.
There is need therefore for the requisite skills and expertise to set in motion and implement such changes. From all indications, Capita Symonds is well positioned to undertake this task. Since 2000, the group has gained wide experience working in the Region. It includes major interventions with the Guyana and Jamaica Police Forces, looking at future development, Caricom, in the area of small arms proliferation, Cricket World Cup 2007 and now this involvement on the 5 year Strategic Security Plan.
The Principals of the Firm were engaged in lengthy discussions with the Minister of Home Affairs and the leadership of the GPF on the implementation of the plan. A high level of confidence has been expressed by all sides on a successful implementation. It also has the support and blessings of the UK Government which, through its High Commissioner here, expressed the hope for cross-party support.
Minister Clement Rohee, in recognizing the changes the 173-year-old Police Force will undergo, pointed to major adjustments and a new thinking that will lead to the modernization of the Force and impact heavily on its operations. The people of Guyana will be the principal beneficiaries of these initiatives.
Already, a significant number of civilians are employed at more than 40 Police Stations in the country to input data generated by the Integrated Crime Information System. It is expected that more will be utilized to perform various duties at stations thus allowing more trained policemen and women to be ‘directly’ involved in matters of violence and crime.
A valuable feature embraces this new dispensation in the solid support and cooperation by the Guyana Police Force, the Prison and Fire Services to every single measure agreed upon.
The intended changes will be brought about with the implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Police Force in line with the establishment of Strategic Management Department to have oversight of the implementation. Here 10 high level civilian professionals will be employed in non-line positions within the GPF to ensure a smooth and effective transition and to the satisfaction of the Government, the Force itself, Parliament, and the People of Guyana. This is an almost immediate undertaking.
The recent signing of a G$26 million contract between the Citizen Security Programme/Ministry of Home Affairs and the UK-based Capita Symonds Consultancy constitutes a major component of the Strategic Plan for the GPF. It targets four specific areas with respect to the modernisation of the Force, namely:
• Strengthening the Administration of the Force with particular reference to standards of recruitment and retention of staff
• Succession planning to develop a sustainable approach to career planning and retention of Cadet Officers.
• Public Relations/Communication for a modern and responsive approach in relating with the media and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Integrity/Probity with a mission to improve the professionalism of the Force by strengthening its accountability and instigating a more rigorous approach to development in integrity.
These are all aimed at improving and enhancing the efficiency of the Force . The first phase of this Consultancy will last for four to six weeks.
This programme envisages major changes in the way the Force operates and it is well known that changes in any organization are not easy to execute, especially in one structured along the lines of a Police Force.
There is need therefore for the requisite skills and expertise to set in motion and implement such changes. From all indications, Capita Symonds is well positioned to undertake this task. Since 2000, the group has gained wide experience working in the Region. It includes major interventions with the Guyana and Jamaica Police Forces, looking at future development, Caricom, in the area of small arms proliferation, Cricket World Cup 2007 and now this involvement on the 5 year Strategic Security Plan.
The Principals of the Firm were engaged in lengthy discussions with the Minister of Home Affairs and the leadership of the GPF on the implementation of the plan. A high level of confidence has been expressed by all sides on a successful implementation. It also has the support and blessings of the UK Government which, through its High Commissioner here, expressed the hope for cross-party support.
Minister Clement Rohee, in recognizing the changes the 173-year-old Police Force will undergo, pointed to major adjustments and a new thinking that will lead to the modernization of the Force and impact heavily on its operations. The people of Guyana will be the principal beneficiaries of these initiatives.
Already, a significant number of civilians are employed at more than 40 Police Stations in the country to input data generated by the Integrated Crime Information System. It is expected that more will be utilized to perform various duties at stations thus allowing more trained policemen and women to be ‘directly’ involved in matters of violence and crime.
A valuable feature embraces this new dispensation in the solid support and cooperation by the Guyana Police Force, the Prison and Fire Services to every single measure agreed upon.
The intended changes will be brought about with the implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Police Force in line with the establishment of Strategic Management Department to have oversight of the implementation. Here 10 high level civilian professionals will be employed in non-line positions within the GPF to ensure a smooth and effective transition and to the satisfaction of the Government, the Force itself, Parliament, and the People of Guyana. This is an almost immediate undertaking.
The implementation of this Plan was drawn up the US based Julian Laite Consultancy and will cost approximately G$35 million annually.
