…Top Cop outlines needs of Police Force

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be looking to acquire computers for patrol vehicles along with high frequency encrypted radios and vehicles, suitable for patrolling and the transportation of suspects and prisoners, according to Commissioner of Police Leslie James.
The Top Cop was at the time speaking during a multi-donor workshop for coordinated support for the GPF, held on Monday at the Marriott Hotel.

With the recent appointment of James, the objectives of the workshop were to align future activities to support the GPF by international developments partners, as well as, assessing the high-level needs of the security force and creating synergies.

In attendance was United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Government agencies representatives and representatives of international donors.

Commissioner James said that the expansion of the CCTV cameras to all stations, with remote monitoring are also needed, while the GPF aims to enhance human resource management, training and the development of infrastructure in order to maximise its operations.

In addition, he said that a curriculum specialist will be contacted for a review of training modules, in order to have them updated to international standards. James said that overall the training of ranks and exchange of visits will be conducted in order to enhance all functions of the GPF. The GPF will also construct gender inclusive accommodations at training facilities in Essequibo and Berbice while Police stations will be remodeled, he said.
Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said that priority for the GPF will be in training and a review of the Standing Orders and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as it relates to the treatment of persons in custody.

The minister noted that frequent allegations of corruption by members of the Force will be dealt with more promptly now that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has a chairman.

He mentioned that what is also needed is the strengthening of community and police relations, since getting the assistance of the public to solve crimes is very important. Adding, that a review of the police training curriculum for junior, middle and senior managers in the police force will be done, Ramjattan said that data driven, evidence-based police strategies are needed.

Underscoring that a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) study states that youth unemployment in Guyana is hovering around 40 per cent, Ramjattan said that something must be done for young men, in order for them to stay away from criminal activities.
He noted that many of the commanders have been assisting with the development of opportunities that offer life skills training to youths. “These things are very important to me, and with a new leadership in the Police Force attention will be redirected to develop these things,” he said.

Further, he said that the ‘Smart City Project’ is among initiatives which have been identified to reduce crime, since the project is part of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP).

Noting that the majority of prisoners are uneducated and unemployed youths, Ramjattan said that component one of the CSSP aims to make youths between the ages of 16 and 25 resilient to crime and violence, through the provision of technical and vocational training and psycho social support.