— magistrate tells police ranks

The relationship between the police and communities must be reciprocal, Magistrate Crystal Lambert has said, pointing out that both parties need each other to function effectively.

She was at the time speaking at a recent breakfast hosted by ‘F’ Division (Bartica, Lethem and other interior locations) at the Bartica Recreational Centre, Region Seven. The magistrate said communities rely on police and prosecutors to protect them from crime and injustice, while the police in turn rely on communities for support and cooperation in their investigations.

Lambert who noted that her remarks are not in the capacity of a magistrate, but that of an observant civilian, said the police should operate on the principle of peace officers. And on that score, she encouraged the lawmen to build trust with communities, since it can be an essential step for successful prosecution.

She pointed out that at times public perception of the police prevents many cases from being properly prosecuted. “It is very important that you mold that trust with your communities, because it goes a far way,” the magistrate said.
She added: “It is very important that police officers know their role and that is to keep the fabric of society together, to maintain law and order and to always have stability… where you matter is in the eyes of the public, they need you, and when they turn away from you, we have chaos and we have confusion.”

Commander Ravindradat Budhram said the division covers a large portion on the map of Guyana and although there are challenges in resources and manpower, it has been able to make notable strides. There was an increase in ranks and the division also benefitted from ATVs, boats and pickups that were donated by the People’s Republic of China.

The commander also said that each station within the division now has more ranks to serve their respective districts and more ranks received enhanced training in their respective fields. This year, the division launched a literacy programme in Byderabo where over 800 books in Mathematics, English, Science and educational topics were given to youths.

In Bartica, Commander Budram said a summer programme was held and over 300 persons learnt craft-making, educational and developmental skills.
Professionalism within the division has improved, the commander said.
“I’ve seen a great increase in professionalism within the division, comparing to the reports I received last year. Recently, in Bartica, we placed police before the court because they moved away from Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” the commander said.

He said under his command, prompt action will be taken against misdemeanour so that all have due respect for the law. “The system is working and there has been a lot of matters being cleared up in court, including backlog,” he said.

The breakfast was part of activities to celebrate the Christmas season within the division. Among those in attendance were Region Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford, ranks and special invitees. At the event, Detective Sergeant Juan Henry was awarded the Best Cop prize for the division, while several other ranks were awarded for their performance in 2017.