A REVIEW of the Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN) which was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 09, 2013, as a pilot project in ten identified communities, has shown that

up to October, 2014 there were a total of 88 counselling interventions by the Guyana Police Force supported by members of the religious community.

The pilot project was launched in communities in Police ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara), ‘B’ Division (Berbice) and ‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara).

OFFENCES
According to a Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) press release, the interventions involved 46 males and 42 females between the ages of 10-and 17-years-old, who were detained for offences such as assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, throwing missiles, simple larceny, wandering, use of indecent language and threatening behaviour.

In all the cases these youths were counselled by the religious leaders, and following the involvement of their parents/guardians were warned and sent away.

However, charges were made in two instances, but in one instance the matter was dismissed after the victims offered no evidence, while the other was sent to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

CRIME PREVENTION
The MOHA initiated the CFCN as another crime prevention measure intended to deal with youths who come into conflict with the law on a first time basis, and involving minor offence, as a preemptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

Discussions between the Guyana Police Force and religious leaders have resulted in three other projects being undertaken.

These are the establishment of: A Suicide Hotline where depressed persons can call with the view of receiving counselling; the Force’s Chaplaincy which was the concept of using the CFCN to provide chaplaincy services to members of the Guyana Police Force, particularly those ranks who have traumatic experiences; and the provision of a liaison between the victims and relatives of victims of serious crimes and the police, specifically in relation to counselling and a feedback on investigations.

Towards this end, in July, 2014 Pastor Patrick Doolichand was appointed the Force’s Chaplain and a three-day Level 1 Community Service Chaplaincy Training Programme was conducted by the Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the CFCN in September, 2014.

The CFCN is therefore now moving forward from being just a crime prevention effort to one of social intervention in society.