RANKS of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were recognised on Tuesday for their stellar performances and dedication during the year.

The traditional Christmas luncheon and awards ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary.

The Guyana Police Force in a Facebook post said the Best Cop was awarded to Sergeant Cosbert, and the runner-up position went to woman Sergeant Rodney.

Both the Best Cop and the runner-up received a number of prizes and monetary gifts from both the Guyana Police Force and members of the corporate sector.

Special awards were given to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack; Police Legal Advisor, Mandell Moore; Assistant to the Police Legal Advisor, Superintendent Delon Fraser; Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh; retired sergeant Sandiford, and barrack labourer, Ann Singh.

The Force said that Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, during his brief remarks, said that he is aware of the problems faced by the CID regarding DNA testing and was happy to announce that the machines have been paid for. He said that within a couple of months DNA testing will be done in Guyana which will minimise the waiting time of sending samples overseas for testing.

Benn further noted that “crime and criminality is one of the greatest hindrances to national development.”

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, during his feature address, congratulated Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ Wendell Blanhum and his team for their excellent work during the year and for their professionalism in executing their duties.

“It is important to note that for us to maintain our posture in terms of professionalism, it is necessary that we develop capacity and the most important resource is our human resources,” the Top Cop was quoted as saying.
Hicken told the gathering that “the training school as we currently know it as the Felix Austin Training College will be changed to The Police Academy.”

He further pointed out that the Force has commenced preparation for the academy which has been registered and has already achieved academy status.

The Top Cop allocated $400,000 to the CID while reminding the ranks that “we are employed to ensure that we serve the public and are not to be served, and whatever you do, do it responsibly. Whatever you do, remember, we are to lead by example, and ethical standards must be maintained during this festive season.”

Blanhum, while delivering his brief remarks, lauded the ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department for their hard work, sacrifice, and outstanding performance during the year 2022.

“You are excellent examples through which the value of hard work is exemplified”, the Crime Chief noted.

Alluding to some of the successes the department has achieved during the year, Blanhum noted that there was a 90 per cent reduction in serious crimes when compared to last year.

Also, for the year 2022, 122 murders were recorded, which is the third lowest number of murders recorded over a 10-year period.

The Crime Chief noted that the third highest cocaine seizure was made this year, with 294 kilogrammes of cocaine, and over the last five years, the highest cannabis seizure was made this year, too, with 789 kilogrammes of cannabis being seized.

With regard to firearms, during this year, 78 illegal firearms were taken out of circulation.

“We did well this year, and we will go forward into the new year to achieve greater results…In terms of our forecast moving ahead in the year 2023, greater emphasis will be placed on technology training, recruitment, and partnership. The Criminal Investigation Department intends to exploit technology and data to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal groups,” he was quoted as saying.

Also present at the event were Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir; Deputy Commissioner Administration, Calvin Brutus; Commander of 4’A’, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean; Commander of Region Three, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine; Commander of 4’B’, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh; Head of the I.T. Department, Senior Superintendent Jermaine Johnson; retired Assistant Commissioners of Police, senior and junior officers and special invitees