WITH the aim of suppressing the alarming incidents of criminal activity in the community of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, the Guyana Police Force, on Saturday morning, adopted a novel approach in an effort to gain and effect control of the situation.
This came in the form of interaction with the residents at one of the known hotspots. The innovative method was on full display, as a number of senior officers, led by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) (ag.), Clifton Hicken and Regional Division 4(B) Commander, Senior Superintendent, Linden Isles, along with ranks who currently serve the community, conducted an outreach at the notorious “Black and White Bridge.”

“I glad that y’all come to hear people problems,” said one elderly female resident.
Other residents said that this was the first time they had witnessed this type of assertive action in their community; they viewed it as a sign of respect shown to them, but more importantly, a clear signal to the criminals that it would become increasingly difficult to carry out their barefaced and wanton acts.

“Speak your mind; speak the truth. Tell us your problems and we will get things done,” was the assertion of Deputy Commissioner Hicken, at the beginning of what developed into a lively two-hour exchange of candid views and airing of serious concerns about an obviously crime-ridden area that requires proactive law enforcement by trustworthy officers.
Having listened to the aggrieved, and in most cases, admittedly fearful residents relate the numerous brazen and vicious attacks on themselves and their property by “young” perpetrators, Hicken identified a troubling aspect of the complaints – indifference by ranks and allegations that several ranks have been colluding with the bandits.
He then instructed Commander Isles that there be prompt action.
“With immediate effect, you are to cause rotation to be done to Grove (Police Station) with fresh faces, with a focus on community building.”

This decision was loudly applauded by the residents.
He continued: “You are to ensure Inspector Layne take responsibility for that Diamond/Grove Station, so that the Sergeant can have enough time to be in the community with her ranks.”

“Job rotation is (also) important to build capacity in any organisation, and the Guyana Police Force is no different,” Hicken added.
“We are here to serve you and not to be served. There is no shortcut. So if you commit an offence, go to the court and deal with it at the Magistrate level.”

He cautioned residents against contributing to unethical behaviour by offering bribes to shortcut the system. Hicken then disclosed that in addition to the vehicles already being used in the area, next week he would deploy an additional four motorcycles “to service Kaneville only.”

He also noted that the energy exerted by the residents to voice their concerns was an indication that they are willing to cooperate with the police, and “that is a plus for us.”

The Deputy Commissioner instructed that two community policing groups (CPG) be formed this week in Kaneville.
He explained that the presence of those groups will “reduce our response time; it will aid our success rate.”

“The minority is creating problems for the majority. Based on what I’ve listened to, the community of Kaneville means well. You have a few misguided youths that are perpetrating acts of crime, because they have no guidance. So, our simple task is to remove the problem. And in doing so, there’s a legal procedure to take. And that’s where the police will take the lead role. CPGs will have established patrols, authenticated by the presence of policemen and women.”

Hicken revealed that a WhatsApp group will be created with interested residents and several senior police officers. The residents were also reminded of their responsibility to “ensure that we mitigate these types of activities. If you see something, you need to say something without any fear.”

As an advocate for youth development, Hicken also called on a number of stakeholders to harness or amalgamate their energies to “identify vulnerable youths, based on the needs of the community, and derive skillsets… vocational training skills, so that we can keep them gainfully occupied.”
There will be a follow-up meeting at the same location next Saturday.