– says 2019 Essequibo Coast Best Cop

WITH determination, dedication and discipline, any member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will rapidly develop in executing the mandate of the profession while serving as peace officers in society.

This was according to Best Cop Sergeant, Gladwin Handover, who was stationed in Essequibo. The 32-year-old sergeant joined the GPF six years ago.

He was among some 2,600 ranks who were rewarded on Wednesday at the Tactical Service Unit Drill Square, Eve Leary, for their stellar performance.

Sergeant Hanover, who was also named Best Cop of his division, also received multiple gifts from Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), retired Captain, Gerry Gouveia.

The sergeant explained that he was an instructor who trained police before they commenced active duty and was also in charge of the Zara Computer Training Centre at the Richard Fikal Police Training College in Suddie, Essequibo.

He said the college offered citizens computer classes and since 2013, in excess of 2700 persons were trained, even in computer repairs.

“They have also introduced free transportation to and from classes,” he noted.

Further, he noted that, in the police profession, no one can like any specific area or duty since one can be reassigned based on where there was manpower need.

“I am always prepared for anything and whatever the commissioner or administration of the Police Force chooses, I am willing to serve,” he said.

Noting that several youth groups were formed under his guidance, the sergeant said he loved working with youths and always sought to do his best in the various communities as a role model.

Meanwhile, in his remarks at the event, Commissioner of Police, Leslie James said the Christmas award ceremony was one where rewards were given for the good work done by outstanding ranks.

“The performances of our ranks over the past year, in a general way, were in keeping with the Force’s mandate. Due recognition will be given to those ranks who understood that sense of duty and performed credibly for the past year,” James said.

Adding that the event was a permanent fixture within the Force’s calendar, James said deserving ranks received incentives and commendation. The sum to be given out was $21.3M.

“From 1990 from when we had our first award ceremony to date, a total of approximately $425M was given to police ranks and I think that was an achievement,” he noted.

Underscoring that it was year one of the GPF implementation of its strategic plan, the top cop said a number of objectives were achieved, inclusive of the police reform change board.

He explained that the board was providing strategic oversight and it was enabled through the political administration, the IDB and other significant stakeholders.

The top cop noted that currently, the GPF has recorded a -1.3 per cent decrease in serious crimes in all divisions and following the recent carnages on the roadways, the Force has rolled out “Operation Safe Roads”.

He explained that the operation was an effort to stop or prevent fatalities on the roads.

“I take the opportunity to urge that there be a change in the attitude with the use of our roads by the motoring public and also other categories of road users,” he said.

James explained that the Force will continue with its forward thrust and engage in social crime prevention approaches as a professional organisation.

Prizes were also given to community policing groups, rural constables and Joint Services members.