In an effort reduce crime, the Guyana Police Force launched a mounted patrol branch in ‘B’ Division at the Mibicuri Police Station in Black Bush Polder, East Berbice Corentyne on Tuesday.

It will include four well trained horses from the Force’s mounted branch along with their handlers being posted at the Mibicuri Station to patrol the vast backlands within the Black Bush area. At the official launching, ‘B’ Division Commander Kevin Adonis said while the mounted branch was in the pipeline of the Guyana Police Force for some time, the launch was expedited since the need is greater in the area.

“This is another step forward for the Guyana Police Force. We have recognized the need to bring the mounted branch here because of the depth of the backlands within Mibicuri. Only recently residents assisted police ranks to apprehend a murder accused using their horses so we recognized this and decided to move forward and launch our mounted branch here,” the Commander said.

He explained that the ranks will be stationed at the Mibicuri Police Station and will be interchanged regularly with other ranks.  The Commander further noted that other areas in ‘B’ Division will have mounted patrols as the program expands throughout the country.

“This is the government’s plan to ensure security for all residents and soon you can expect other areas across the region and country to have more mounted patrols.”

The Black Bush Polders are noted for their vast agricultural produce where lands are utilized from the public road all the way down to the Canje creek. Most of the access dams are earthen and are impassable to vehicles; as such the mounted patrol will provide much needed protection and service to the residents who farm in the remote backlands.

The backlands are a popular choice for criminal elements who are hiding from law enforcement officials.