THE need for partnerships between police ranks and citizens was underscored during a walkabout with Commander of “D” Division, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper and his administrative team at the Leonora and Zeeburg Markets.

Interactions were held on Saturday with several consumers, vendors and business owners, all of whom noted that there is a need for enhanced security for the markets.
Other issues that were raised included the need for regular patrols, clamping down on noise nuisance and intelligence sharing.

The commander noted that the exercises will be a continuous feature in the West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo division to ensure that persons are safe in their communities while the police provide quality service to citizens.

“Community policing is an approach to policing that recognizes the interdependence and shared responsibility of the police and the community in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens. It aims at establishing an active and equal partnership between the police and the public through which crime and community safety issues can jointly be discussed and solutions determined and implemented,” the commander noted.
Meanwhile, a simple ceremony was also recently held at the Barnwell Events Space, West Coast Demerara (WCD) in recognition of the dedication of several officers of the Guyana Police Force ‘D’ Division.

Several junior members received trophies and medals from the Divisional Commander and other senior ranks of the force.
According to Commander Cooper, the activity was organised for the sole purpose of recognising the excellent performances of ranks within the division.

“Oftentimes, people sensationalise the few, and I mean very few, badly behaved cops but I am pleased to be a part of this activity that will honour and shine the spotlight on the many police officers who have behaved exceptionally well over the last years. Recognising our junior officers will give them that sense of pride to aim higher and to continue to display behaviour of a high standard. Tonight is your night, enjoy it,” the commander said.
He further stated that the activity will become an annual feature in his calendar of events and next year will see more officers being honoured.

The awards were categorised as per department, namely Traffic, CID, General Duty and Commander’s Award.

Five officers received the Commander’s Award, which was the highest.
The five outstanding officers are Sergeant Wilson, Constables Alleyne, Monilall, Jones and Moffett. Other awardees include Sergeant Griffith, Corporals Hope and Rose, Constables Awar, Britton, Hubbard, James, Jones, Henry, Hills, Gittens, McBeth and Pyle and Rural Constables, Sealey and Sam.

The C-PETS (Creating Positive Environments Through Safer Communities and Partnerships) group, which is a body that comprises business and religious persons from Region Three, presented tokens of appreciation to the senior officers for their level of leadership and hard work at changing the image of the force to one of positivity in the region.
The activity also recognised members of the business community who have always been supportive of the work of the police force.

Businessman Halim Khan, who was recognized for his support of the police force, described Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper as an exceptional officer who will one day make an excellent Commissioner of Police.