…Top Cop commits to further reducing crime
…says archaic standing orders being reviewed

COMMISSIONER of Police Leslie James said there will be a review of some aspects of the Guyana Police Force’s standing orders because some “appear to be archaic” and he assured citizens that the organisation is in good hands.

This was disclosed on Thursday during the annual Police Officers’ Christmas Breakfast at Eve Leary. “We will not spare any effort to discipline any rank. What we have recognised, however, is that the standing orders were not always executed. We have recommended that there be with immediate effect a restoration of the training and the promotion boards. We have also recommended that there should also be a traffic advisory board. These boards will ensure the functionality of the Guyana Police Force. I should also report to you that we have taken steps to revise some aspects of our standing orders, because when reviewed, some of these orders appear to be archaic,” the commissioner explained.

The commissioner sought to reassure the nation of the force’s commitment to higher standards, saying they stand resolute to ensure the continuity of good governance. “The force is in good hands and I wish to assure the nation that we will continue to take strides to maintain the nobleness of this organisation. I have reminded the ranks of the need for professionalism. I have reminded them of the need to have exemplary conduct,” James said.

In addition, the commissioner said no effort will be spared to discipline errant members and steps are being taken to revise the GPF’s Standing Orders. He also said systems are being implemented to ensure that ranks are motivated.

James also highlighted that the current thrust of the hierarchy of the force is one of working towards reform and efficiency.

“We have embarked on a reformation plan, compliments of the government. Consultations have been held and those recommendations have been submitted and are currently being implemented. We have embarked on three main pillars, these are Training, Infrastructure and Human Resource Management. You would have seen some movements, some shifts of persons in the force; this is in keeping with our position that we need to have continuity and proper governance of the force.

In addition, Commissioner James said there has been a continued reduction in crimes and the situation is not one of gloom and doom as is being touted by certain sections of the society. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the crime-fighting agency and noted that the force has seen a reduction in crimes in the year 2018 when compared to that of 2017. “The year commenced with some issues, but through a collective effort, we have pulled through to this point. I am happy to report that serious crime is down by 11 percent. We have seen a marked decrease in serious crimes – last year we had 289 and this year to date we have had 228.”

Politicians Clothed in ‘Phantom’ Squad

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo commended the GPF for lowering the crime rate. He reiterated that the country is doing better.
“…two days ago we observed International Human Rights Day and when you look at the reports coming out focusing on Guyana, the country has been removed from categories where you have extra-judicial killings, where you have death squads, where there are summary executions involving whatever you may want to call it … black clothes, blue clothes… or politicians clothed in ‘Phantom’ Squad uniforms, … Guyana has been removed from that. Sometimes we beat ourselves up so much that we do not recognise that we are better than we have ever been before,” the prime minister said.

The prime minister said the GPF has lowered the crime rate from the obscene levels experienced under the former administration. “You have reduced crimes from 1,403 or thereabouts in 2014 to a three-digit number. Nine hundred and sixty five (965) was the last figure I have seen. You did a good job because as policemen your job was always to avoid reaching four numerals … You removed the levels of obscenity.”

In addition, Prime Minister Nagamootoo also commended the force for increasing the number of lawbreakers prosecuted, compared to the immediate past. “I give kudos to the leadership of the police force for having worked diligently to produce this result. I can tell you that over the last two years you have had more prosecutions than any time before,” he said. The prime minister noted that notwithstanding the increased number of prosecutions by the GPF, under the current government there has not been any credible accusation of prosecutable torture levelled at the force.