CPOG to commemorate 39th anniversary with series of activities
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee addressing CPOG executive and ordinary members at yesterday morning’s press conference.(Samuel Maughn photos)
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee addressing CPOG executive and ordinary members at yesterday morning’s press conference.(Samuel Maughn photos)

THE Community Policing Organisation of Guyana (CPOG) is celebrating 39 years of voluntary service to the community, and a series of activities has accordingly been planned to observe the occasion.CPG Administrator Dennis Pompey said at a press conference in the MoHA Boardroom at Brickdam, Georgetown that celebrations began yesterday with a press conference, and will conclude with a fun day in Essequibo on March 29th.

Pompey disclosed that activities are planned in each of the 15 Community Policing Divisions, with the main activities being celebrated on the Essequibo Coast.

The theme for the 39th Anniversary is: “COMMUNITY POLICING SUPPORTING THE FIGHT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SUICIDE AND PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY.”

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee yesterday said CPG commenced in Guyana in the year 1976 with the objective being to harness the energies of willing members of communities across Guyana in support of the work of the Police; to achieve a crime-free society; and to be responsive, together with the Police, to the needs of the communities in respect of the necessity to maintain law and order. To this end, he said, Community Policing Groups shall be established in all police divisions in Guyana.

He noted that crime prevention at the community level includes protection of public property. He said the objectives were later expanded to embrace development of youth; health consciousness; road safety; environmental enhancement; and any other activities of benefit to the community.

Rohee disclosed that membership of the Community Policing Organisation of Guyana currently consists of 270 groups with a membership of 5,201 individuals.
ACTIVITIES OF CPGs
Rohee said that, during the period 2013-2014, the CPGs conducted 8,527 vehicular patrols; 4,838 motor cycle patrols; 8,344 bicycle patrols; 19,994 foot patrols; 1,078 boat patrols, and 381 ATV patrols.

There were 920 arrests made, ranging from murder to domestic violence.

These patrols were also able to reduce electricity theft and vandalising of the fibre optic cables in community policing divisions, he added.

TRAINING
Rohee said that, over the years, Community Policing Group members were exposed to training in: policing, administration, domestic violence, trafficking in persons, interpersonal violence, fire-fighting, road safety, First Aid, suicide awareness, communication and disaster preparedness.

ACHIEVEMENTS
Highlighting CPG achievements during the year 2014, the minister said there was a 23% increase in membership of Community Policing Groups.

Rohee pointed out that CPGs have since benefited from provision of additional uniforms, vehicles and equipment given to all Community Policing Groups; introduction of an awards scheme for liaison officers and members of the business community who contributed to sustenance of the groups; awarding of outstanding Community Policing Groups and members, and the introduction of training programmes for liaison officers are all benefits enjoyed by Community Policing Groups.

BUDGET FOR COMMUNITY POLICING
Money allocated to Community Policing from 2009 to 2014 under capital expenditure amounted to $518M, and under current expenditure to $133M, Rohee said. He noted that the expenditures were used for the purchase of motor vehicles, boats, outboard engines, motor cycles, grass cutters, sports equipment, equipment for disaster preparedness training, uniforms, torch lights, VHF radio equipment, life jackets, ATVs, bicycles, laminating machines, spotlights, photocopying machines, cameras, and for continuous training.

Rohee said that the vision of Henry Fraser, late commissioner of police, to establish community policing in Guyana has relevance today as it did 39 years ago.

 

 

 

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