IN alignment with the Guyana Government’s mission to decrease crime, particularly those of a gender-based nature, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, successfully completed another round of CopSquad training on Tuesday. This initiative provided training to 30 Police officers.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Mr Ravindradat Budhram, and Representatives from the UN and EU were among those attending the closing ceremony which saw the ranks who completed the CopSquad training receiving certificates.

In an interview with this publication, Deputy Commissioner (Operations), Ravindradat Budhram, spoke on confidentiality, respect for victims, attendance to all reports, and cooperating with the relevant stakeholders when investigating gender-based issues.

The Deputy Commissioner underlined the significance of maintaining strict confidentiality when dealing with gender-based issues.
He emphasised that this approach is supported by research and data, which consistently show that victims are more likely to come forward and report instances of gender-based violence when they have confidence in the confidentiality of the process.

Mr. Budhram also stressed the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of victims, citing studies that reveal how survivors’ willingness to engage with law enforcement and support services is significantly higher when their autonomy and confidentiality are upheld.

Additionally, he pointed to research indicating that attending to all reports, even seemingly minor ones, is essential in identifying potential patterns of gender-based violence and preventing escalation. Data-driven approaches have proven effective in assessing the prevalence and nature of such crimes, ultimately guiding law enforcement’s response.
Lastly, Mr. Budhram highlighted the importance of cooperation with relevant stakeholders in tackling gender-based issues. “Research has consistently shown that a multidisciplinary approach, involving partnerships with organisations and agencies specialising in gender-based violence prevention and victim support, leads to more effective and comprehensive solutions.”

He explained that, by integrating these principles, which are supported by research and data, law enforcement can better address gender-based issues and work towards the government’s mission to reduce such crimes in Guyana.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, had noted that the initiative seeks to ensure that once a domestic violence matter is brought to a police station, it will be handled in a manner that accords with international best practices. The training deals with interrogation, assessment of safety, how to counsel and respond to people who come to make complaints, and reports of domestic violence.