THE  current upsurge in criminal violence once again being experienced

in some parts of Guyana, and which has so far claimed three lives, has evoked a feeling a fear and great apprehension throughout the general communities. It has once again brought the Guyana Police Service into sharp relief, particularly as it relates to its crime-fighting capabilities, and crime-prevention strategies.
This is fully understood, since this critical state institution is charged principally with the maintenance of Law and Order, with the principal component being the protection of the citizenry.  And as usual, as experienced throughout the sojourn of this 10th Parliament, the Honourable   Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, has been accused of not being capable of “managing the situation”.  Not a new accusation by any means, except that it must be asked, how justified have those critics been?
It is understood that since he is the functional Head of this very important ministry, charged with national security, that questions about the service’s performance, especially at such tense periods, will be levelled at him. But without reading as a defence of his stewardship, it should be concluded that this minister has been the most pro-active national security executive the nation has ever had, in terms of instituting measures designed to combat the criminal menace. He is results oriented.
It must be recalled that Mr. Rohee ascended to the responsibilities of securing the welfare of the state and its citizens at a time when the threat of criminal gangs terrorised the land. Without repeating the details of the vicious battle waged against the horde – all the gangs were dismantled, including  the elimination of the notorious personalities, including “Fine Man” and “Skinny”
But this was not the end of efforts to protect the state and its citizens. With a budget that has risen exponentially, Minister Rohee  began the implementation of a series of measures, designed to modernise the local service, arming it with a technological edge. These were designed primarily to address the institution’s lingering deficiencies, and improve its capacity to respond to a more sophisticated type of criminal operative. Inclusive among the initiatives taken are the increase of vehicular means for quick response  to crime situations, the establishment of a crime observatory, and an integrated Information Technology system that  records  data for  sharing, analysis, and monitoring of the general  national crime plateau.
And then there’s Rohee’s unshakeable belief in intelligence- led policing as a pivot in combating crime. This has borne much success for law enforcement, more so vindicating the minister.  This was among the reasons that would have led Mr. Rohee in his indefatigable mission in promoting the establishing of community policing groups throughout the 10 administrative regions.  It was posited that this type of structure would be the support arm of the regular Police Service, since its members are from their immediate locales, and able to readily gather much critical intelligence that lead to the  quick apprehension of suspects.
This system in terms of its relative success in being able to assist in intelligence gathering , and supporting  the national service in crime prevention and solving, is being evaluated, but be that as it may – it must be emphasised that its communal origin places it  efficiently to gathering important information as it relates to serious incidents such as the persons behind the three murders committed during their respective robberies.
Definitely, the Community Policing Groups must give more support to the Central Policing System. It is for this reason that the minister pioneered their coming into existence.
Finally, better use must be made by law enforcement and community policing, in doing more to protect citizens.  The capacity is there for better performance and results.