– Cdr. Langevine tells Berbicians at interactive multi-stakeholder meet

‘B’ Division Commander, Paul Langevine and team last Wednesday evening held a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Whim Police Station to address the many concerns affecting the people on the Corentyne.

They also used the occasion to apprise residents of the various communities of plans they have in store in terms of security and traffic for the Christmas holiday season.

Widely regarded as one of the largest public meetings ever held on the Corentyne en in recent times, the event, which also happened to be Langevine’s first engagement since taking over the reigns from Commander Clifton Hicken, saw in attendance members of the business community, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), religious leaders and educators among other stakeholders.

Lasting some three hours, the meeting besides being informative was very interactive as well, as Langevine and his team heard and pronounced on a wide variety of issues, among them substance abuse, crime prevention, traffic congestion, noise nuisance, fuel trafficking, cattle rustling, capacity building of junior ranks, and heightened security for the holidays.

Among team members were Deputy Commander, Wayne DeHearte; Divisional Traffic Officer, Timothy Williams; Officer in Charge of Number Two Sub-Division, Boodnarine Persaud; and officers in charge of the various stations within the district.

There was also an outpouring of complaints about the unprofessional behaviour of some junior ranks amidst calls for better vetting of recruits in the future.

FEAR OF REPRISAL

Stakeholders also complained about their fear of being victimised if they speak out, whereupon the new commander made it crystal clear that his is an open-door policy, so he wants to hear the complaints, as that is the only way they can be addressed.

“I have been hearing people are uncomfortable with going to the police stations,” Commander Langevine said.
“I don’t think that’s the way it should be; I stated clearly my open-door policy. A lot of
complaints are about dealing with the constables at the lower level, and I find that if persons are dissatisfied with what they are getting at the lower level, they should try to see someone more senior.
“We shared all the numbers of senior officers, and I hope people make use of that. We want to work with you members of the public; we are being paid to do our job, and we want to ensure we do our job as it should be done.
“I don’t want people to be dissatisfied; persons going to the station and not being treated fairly. I don’t want those things to be happening in my division, so I am urging if you go to the station, and if you are dissatisfied at that level, move up and don’t be afraid of what would happen if you complain about someone.
“I need the complaints, because that’s the only way we can get it right; I want people to be comfortable in airing their views, and seeing what is bothering them because the police have a job to do.”

While addressing the various concerns, the commander and team called for increased collaboration with relevant stakeholders to help identify and fix issues. The team made it clear that without the help of the public, they cannot effectively do their jobs, while the commander promised to fix a date where he can meet one-on-one with members of the public.

HEIGHTENED SECURITY

For the holiday season, there will be an increase in security personnel in residential and busy shopping areas. The police also disclosed heightened special operations by CID and intelligence ranks around commercial banks and other business entities.
Additionally, residents will notice an increase in patrols, including mobile, bicycle and motorcycle on a 24-hour basis, while foot patrols will be conducted between 07:00 and 19:00hrs between December 22 and 24 and 29 to 31.

The commander explained that improved police visibility serves as a primary deterrent of the perpetration of a crime. He, however, cautioned members of the public to be vigilant at all times and avoid moving large sums of cash or valuables without proper security systems in place.

Meanwhile, philanthropist and religious leader Mustapha Ali of Tain was honoured by Officer in Charge of Number 2 Sub-division, Boodnarine Persaud for his stellar contributions made over the years to the Whim Police Station and Guyana Police Force.
Ali received a plaque and a certificate of appreciation from the Guyana Police Force, thanking him for his service over the years and continued partnership.