Community Policing Groups (CPGs) ought to complement the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and not supplant it, President David Granger said as he instructed Officers of the GPF to work with CPGs.

The President emphasised the importance of working closely with communities and CPGs as it can bolster the reduction in crime.  President Granger was at the time addressing Police Officers at the Opening Ceremony of the Force’s annual Officers’ conference held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary on Thursday.

He stressed that the safety of communities is the core of a secure country and persons must take pride in securing their communities. President Granger expressed much displeasure with the number of criminal activity conducted on a daily basis.

“We have to build a system in which residents can be assured of safety even in the absence of a police station,” the President stated adding that “safe communities are necessary for the good life.” He said too that “the good life” cannot be achieved in the absence of sound security mechanisms.

As such, President Granger charged ranks of the force to foster closer ties with communities noting that CPGs must not remain lawless.

“It is my view that community policing is for a common good but unfortunately that concept has been subjected to bizarre interpretations over the years,” stated the President.

In that vein he stressed that it is critical to maintain the roles of community policing groups and not have them thrown aside.

“We must ensure that this function does not become a victim of political policing…some must not be perceived as policing special interests but for the common good,” President Granger told Officers.

He committed to giving the GPF whatever it needs to “keep Guyana safe.” “The Force must fulfill its obligation within the constitution,” the President said while noting that while solving cases is good it is equally important to examine the causes of crime and work towards prevention.

“There must be a new approach that not only suppresses but addresses causes of crime,” he added.