FOLLOWING Monday’s spate of armed robberies in Georgetown, in which several businesses were invaded and robbed of varying amounts of cash, acting Commissioner

of Police, Mr Leroy Brumell urged members of the business community to be more security conscious, noting that it’s time to do less liquid cash transactions and utilise ‘plastic’ to transact business.
He explained that the maximum use of ‘plastic’ will definitely impact on robberies and the violence associated with armed robberies.
The Top Cop made these remarks at a press conference in his boardroom at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, yesterday in the wake of concerns expressed in various quarters in light of the apparent spike in criminal activities.
Also making remarks was Crime Chief, Seelall Persaud, who said that cash transactions are the largest motivator for armed robberies that include violence. However, he added that there is no direct link to the recent criminal activities leading up to Hits and Jams mega event ‘Jamzone’ and the imminent arrival of foreign artistes to Guyana.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police said that police have measures in place to police the events and when questioned he said there is no pattern in the upsurge of criminal activities as it relates to drug busts locally.
According to the Crime Chief, the use of ‘plastic’ can reduce armed robberies in which violence are associated but, at the same time, “we may see an increase in fraud”.
Brumell disclosed that, overall, the crime situation is not at the level as perceived according to articles in the media and he pointed out that the statistics show up to July this year, there has been a decrease of 3% in murders, an increase of 1% in armed robberies where firearms were used by the perpetrators and a decrease of 9% in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used such as knives, cutlasses, ice-picks, etc.

FIREARMS RECOVERED
Brumell said that for the year, so far, the police recovered 49 firearms that comprise of 19 revolvers, 18 shotguns, 10 pistols, one sub-machine gun and one rifle.
The Commissioner noted that there have been a total of 14 persons who were killed during armed robberies, which is of great concern to the GPF and within the past two weeks they recorded six murders, five of which occurred during robberies.
Brumell stated that the GPF has in place various strategies in the fight against crime and have been grappling with the situation to ensure the maintenance of public safety and security in keeping with its mandate.

TRAFFIC SITUATION
The Top Cop yesterday said that they have recorded 56 accidents that resulted in 59 deaths this year compared with 43 accidents with 45 deaths last year, noting an increase of 31% in deaths.
Brumell said, “This is also of concern to us and we have increased traffic presence on the roads as well as enhancing our traffic education via the media, schools and other initiatives. We have recently launched ‘Operation Road Order’ which focuses specifically on speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol which are the main causes of fatal accidents.”

GPF MODERNISATION
Brumell pointed out that the GPF is going through a modernisation process with emphasis on the five-year Strategic Plan, 2013-2017, with focus on operational priorities, developing their ranks, partnerships, performance and the infrastructure.
He added that the Strategic Management Development that comprises of several qualified civilians is already in place and they have started work in earnest and baseline surveys at all levels of ranks have been conducted, along with a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and processes and system audits of several departments which they hope will lead to efficient and effective performance in those areas.

TRAINING
Brumell said, “We have been focusing on training to enhance our professionalism and quality of service. A number of ranks have attended training in Jamaica, Russia, USA, South Korea and Trinidad, in areas of cyber crime, anti-corruption information technology and financial investigations.”
He stated that they will continue to aggressively pursue training locally at the Felix Austin Police College and at the newly-commissioned Guyana Police Officers Training Centre.
The Commissioner added that they have completed programmes that include electronic intelligence operations which were conducted by the Brazilian Federal Police, staff development, financial procedures, disciplinary procedures, traffic investigation, crime investigation and fraudulent documents.
Brumell said that a maritime training programme aimed at equipping ranks to deal more effectively with piracy is now on stream and several other programmes scheduled that include the Station Management Course, Special Prosecutors Course, Junior Officers Course and Domestic Violence Seminars.
The Commissioner noted that they expect to improve their capability and capacity building with the continued significant support of the government by way of equipment that include motor vehicles, water transport, radar guns, breathalysers and forensic equipment and facilities.
At the press conference yesterday, other senior officers of the GPF were also present and some made remarks.