CAPACITY- building for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been enhanced as 37 officers drawn from divisions countrywide successfully completed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Induction Course, No. 1/2015. The closing ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, Assistant Commissioner and Crime Chief Leslie James urged the 37 ranks who will be added to the CID to go beyond the call of duty, and work with added energy to “clear up” the numerous Court cases CID has pending.

He also called on the group to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, since they would be constantly under scrutiny, and often subject to criticism.

The crime chief added that he was however pleased with the performance of the ranks, who were disciplined and had demonstrated a penchant for team work.

He appealed to the ranks to give of their best, and portray a conscience free of corruption and to employ good ethics in their lives.

Force Training Officer Paul Williams said that the course started on February 2, 2015 with 37 ranks drawn from all the divisions and the Immigration Department. It lasted six weeks, during which time several topical subjects were covered.

He said the performance and behaviour of the group were exceptional, even in their mode of dress, and asked senior officers who will be their supervisors to assist and guide them along the way for further self development.

The senior superintendent explained that a Field Office Training Programme is being organised by the GPF, in which all ranks would be evaluated and a comprehensive report will follow to improve ranks of the CID and the benefits to be derived would also be outlined.

In the Course Overview, Constable Pyle said that the 37 ranks commenced and completed the course with above average grades under the theme: “A step towards proficiency in Criminal Investigation.”

He said that the objectives of the course entail orienting the inductees to their roles as investigators; assist participants in acquiring skills and knowledge in dealing with procedures in criminal investigation and identification of criminal offences; to articulate informed opinion about crime -scene analysis; and investigate responses and to assist participants in enhancing their communication skills in the use of English.

Pyle added that facilitators included senior officers of the GPF, an attorney-at-law, representatives of the DPP, UG and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

He disclosed that participants all passed the course with 70% to 98% success and urged his colleagues to remain focused, since the CID is not difficult once you apply yourself to the tasks and challenges.

All 37 ranks were presented certificates, while the three top performers: Best Student Pyle, Runner-up Tracey and the Most Improved Student, Simpson, were awarded for their outstanding performances.
Finally, Course Coordinator Sergeant Sarrabo called on his colleagues to “keep their heads high”, and talked about the time they spent in the classroom and their experiences.