THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) notes the frequent questions related to the work of the Strategic Management Department (SMD) within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and offers the following statement in the interest of clarity and to dispel certain misinformed positions taken by misguided sections of the media.

The reform process of the GPF was determined to be of major importance for the effective performance of the organisation, particularly in the area of its community relations. To this end, a Strategic Management Department (SMD) was established as the primary technical driver for the implementation of the Force’s five-year strategic plan.

It should not be forgotten that the GPF in its 175 years of existence has never undertaken a task of such complexity and magnitude.

Therefore, the mere formulation of a forward-looking document which addresses both operational efficiency and organisational cultural reforms is not only a step in the right direction, but is an indication of a commitment on the part of the MoHA, dedicated to bring the GPF in line with modern police forces globally.

The SMD has assessed and submitted proposals in pursuit of the objectives of the plan, and has been providing technical assistance in the development of action plans in this regard.

The MoHA has been in the forefront of this effort and appreciates the combined efforts of all the players actively involved in this initiative. Principal among the major interventions in that regard has been the recent commissioning of a management audit of the Strategic Management Department (SMD).

Arising from the findings of that review, seven recommendations were made which will assist in enhancing the work of the department. These recommendations have since been communicated to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for their implementation, which will be monitored by the ministry, the release added.

The MoHA is satisfied that some work has been done and others are ongoing with reform and modernisation as the focal issues. Among the initiatives which are proposed in the short term are (i) a Multi Stakeholder Forum; and (ii) a Citizen Perception Survey. It is hoped that both of these mechanisms among others, will inform a better understanding of the perceptions, expectations and potential contributions that stakeholders can provide to the police in fulfilling their constitutional mandate in serving and protecting our people.

However, it should be noted that these interventions will be in vain and doomed to failure in the absence of ownership and the demonstrated commitment of the entire process on the part of the GPF.

The MoHA recognises that any institution steeped in a certain operational mode will sometimes quite unwittingly display signs of resistance at influential levels. In the case of the GPF, although reforms are in themselves desirable, care must be taken that our expectations of a quick fix do not take root in unrealistic ways.

Results will not come overnight. At the same time, citizens and the MoHA quite rightly expect that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will take all reasonable steps to address the contentious issues of serious crime rates; road traffic safety; police misconduct; domestic violence; and others which impact negatively on the society.

The MoHA will continue to support all efforts at reforming the GPF for the benefit of all Guyana.