THE GUYANA Police Force (GPF) is using messaging service WhatsApp to tackle synchronization of crime reports and community outreach programmes of all divisions within the police force.
Head of Police Public Relations Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, said WhatsApp groups were created to encourage the free flow of information amongst the police and stakeholders.
These groups include:
GPF Commanders, Detectives and Traffic Heads; GPF Community Relations and Media Relations Officer; GPF and the Media Team; GPF TV and Radio Programme; GPF and Mayors; GPF and Private Sector Commission and Chambers of Commerce and the GPF Community Policing Groups.
“These groups are being used to ensure that there is free flow of information between stakeholders and the Guyana Police Force; information is shared rapidly,” the superintendent said.
Further, he said that the GPF will soon be broadcasting a special WhatsApp number where people could anonymously post complaints. People can even attach images or short videos to prove their complaint is genuine.
Since the WhatsApp groups will be manned by a senior officer, Ramlakhan said persons providing Information, photographs and details can remain anonymous.
The superintendent said this service will be available to anyone who has a smartphone, and allows one to send text messages, photos, audio recordings, and even short videos. With a decent internet connection, you can even make audio or video calls.
Adding that citizens will in time be able to use WhatsApp and other interactive platforms to provide tips to the police, Superintendent Ramlakhan said the GPF law enforcement and intelligence officials will be using the information to maintain law and order.
According to the press officer, social media is currently the biggest communication channel employed by all manner of persons, irrespective of social class and status in society. It has become the fastest information- dissemination avenue without checks and balances and that is the very reason why the police force must maintain a constant and strong presence on social media to give verification to information that have criminal elements as well as have the potential to threaten the security of this country.
He noted that as part of the unseen hands controlling the new world order, social media has become the centre where everything begins.
