THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Thursday, awarded its outstanding officers and ‘Best Cop’ for the year, at its annual awards ceremony held at the Eve Leary, Drill Square, Georgetown.

The awards were for their performances in the area of proper investigations, drug busts, recovery of firearms and other illegal items and generally good police work throughout the year.
Criminal investigation rank Mitchell Caesar was given the coveted ‘Best Cop’ of 2013, together with $250,000 and a plaque.
He was also the recipient of the award of best CID rank for 2013, carting off another $150,000 and a plaque.
The ceremony also saw ranks from the various divisions being rewarded for their performances in their different districts.
Men appeared to have dominated the awards with only a few females being honoured for their showing in sports.

COLLABORATE CLOSELY
The event also saw members of the community policing groups (CPGs) being considered for awards since they, too, aid in the fight against crimes and collaborate closely with the GPF.
An award was given, as well, to media worker and regular host of the GPF’s informative television programme ‘Law Enforcement and You’, Raymond Cummings.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Balram Persaud, who chaired the morning’s proceedings, pointed out that while ranks are often criticised, it has been determined that their job is one of the most difficult in society.
Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Seelall Persaud reminded that the Force began awarding its ranks for outstanding performances in 1990, with $824,000 being disbursed at the start.
This year, the total awarded was $13.9 M and saw awardees getting cash and trophies.
The awards were also made possible by members of the business community, with one offering $100,000 each to the surviving relatives of two policemen who were shot dead in the recent Middle Street, Georgetown shootout.
Attendees at the function observed a minute of silence for Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Josiah who passed away last week Friday at the Woodlands Hospital.

(by Leroy Smith )