— says PSC in recommendations to arrest crime situation

By Ravin Singh
DATA collection and good record-keeping are perhaps the most critical tools that could equip the security forces to tackle crime, which the Private Sector Commission (PSC) described as ‘escalating’.This was the contention of PSC Chairman Norman McLean, who last Friday unveiled a document titled: “Strategies for reduction of crime in Guyana” which offers recommendations to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on crime reduction strategies.
Topping the list of recommendations is data collection, which, if practised, could assist the force in predicting patterns of crime in vulnerable areas, said Major General (ret’d) Mc Clean, a former head of the Guyana Defence Force.

Interpreting Data
“You can have data and not use it effectively and it becomes useless data just being recorded. The data must be interpreted and used to identify black spots on crime, day and time frequency and modus operandi. Also, so there can be a better understanding of crime, conduct crime mapping as well as other relevant details which can help the police in their efforts to suppress and predict the course of crime,” the document said.

Capacity Building
Highlighted too was the need for capacity-building in the force, which the PSC deemed to be a necessity for crime fighting. According to the chairman, more recruits need to be trained annually, since the current capacity of the force does not reflect the minimal requirement.
The use of existing infrastructure to facilitate training was underscored, while he even hinted that former officers could be utilised to provide training for the recruits.
But the police must be rewarded too. According to the recommendations, ranks need to be paid more than they are receiving at present. In fact, the PSC argues that it may be better to have fewer ranks who are better paid, better motivated, less dishonest and have better training facilities and amenities.
To support the efforts of the force in crime-fighting is Community Policing, which the document states is a strategy aimed at achieving more effective and efficient crime control, reduced fear of crime, improved quality of life and improved police legitimacy.
“Community policing assumes a need for greater accountability of police, greater public share in decision-making and greater concern for civil rights and liberties,” the strategies document states.
Other recommendations detailed in the document include deployment of adequate ranks; filling of the police establishment to ensure adequate manpower is available; design relevant ab initio training with the proper emphasis on their role; and placing proper emphasis on human resource development at all levels of the GPF.
Moreover, the document said further that there should be professional training to enhance the role of the police at all levels; enhancement of police-community relations; support for community policing efforts; improvement and expansion of command level training; and development and improvement of investigative techniques and facilities for the police.

Joint Patrols
The need for joint patrols, the PSC chairman offered, should not be ruled out given the fact that it is still practiced in some countries. In addition, the reactivation of the Law and Order Commission, which the PSC says played an integral role in domestic security affairs, was also listed in the document.
Commenting on the existing crime situation in Guyana, the chairman revealed that the PSC has been observing trends in the escalation of crime in Guyana, which they feel has been going unchecked.

Investor Confidence
Highlighting several instances over the last few months where business persons were targeted by criminals and either suffered financial losses or physical harm, McLean explained that these activities have contributed to the loss in investor confidence while crippling development and employment in communities.
“The PSC is greatly concerned over what we perceive as a hike in crimes and we are left to wonder who is next. Crimes of violence are being conducted with impunity, little regard for life and no respect or fear of the police,” the Chairman lamented.
However, he remains hopeful that the strategies document will serve as a recommendation guide for the force since he does not expect it to be adopted wholesale. “It should be debated, discussed and considered,” he said.
The document is expected to be handed over to the GPF this week.