THE Guyana Police Force last Friday signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Nations University to undertake prosecutorial training for police ranks.
The MoA was signed by Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary and Director of Nations University, Pamela O’Toole.
According to a release, Hicken in brief remarks stated that the Guyana Police Force’s Strategic Plan focuses on human-resource development, which is vital in the ability to prosecute cases.
Thirty ranks from various regional divisions across Guyana have been selected to undergo the first tertiary-level tuition in effective court prosecuting, while an additional 30 will undertake the second batch of training slated for mid-2022.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag) Calvin Brutus, welcomed the initiative and noted that it is the first of its kind to be introduced to the Guyana Police Force. He expounded that though the force was encountering challenges in the courts, aided by a depletion of staff, there is an urgent need for effective prosecutors in the courts.
He expressed the urgency for in-depth comprehensive training of police ranks involved in prosecutorial duty, given the dynamics which unfold, while acknowledging that such training is in keeping with the force’s Strategic Plan to develop all of its members. Brutus stated that the GPF looks forward to engaging in other training programmes with the university.
Director of Nations University, Pamela O’Toole, was very delighted with the initiative to increase police prosecutors in the judicial system and stated that Nations University looks forward to working together for the next six months with the course outline that has been developed.
Director O’Toole revealed that at the conclusion of the course each graduating rank will receive an internationally accredited certificate from the United Kingdom.
Also present at the event were Deputy Officer-in-Charge of Finance, Assistant Superintendent Persaud, and Officer-in-Charge of the Strategic Planning Unit, Assistant Superintendent Kendall.
