The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is moving to implement a fully paperless reporting system within the next six months as part of a broader modernization drive aimed at transforming the organisation into a more technology-driven and internationally aligned security institution.
The announcement was made by Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken during the most recent Police Round-Up programme, where he outlined an accelerated push toward digitisation, capacity building, and institutional reform under the Force’s strategic development agenda.
The planned shift to digital reporting forms a key pillar of the GPF’s wider technology strategy, which will be further embedded in its upcoming 2027–2031 strategic plan. According to Hicken, the blueprint will include a dedicated focus on technology, innovation, and adaptability as central components of modern policing.
“Technology is what is ruling the world… it is now central to modern policing in the Guyana Police Force,” Hicken said, adding that the Force is working to ensure that “within the first six months, we will be taking reports by computer… and we are in the process of digitising the entire force.”

A major component of the transformation includes the decentralisation of the Force’s Zara computer centres, which are being expanded across multiple divisions to improve access to computer literacy training for ranks nationwide. The initiative is intended to strengthen evidence-based policing and improve operational efficiency through wider technological access.
Alongside digitisation efforts, the Force is also intensifying capacity-building programmes, with structured training for ranks at all levels and a growing emphasis on academic advancement.
Hicken revealed that one officer has already attained a doctorate, while five others are currently pursuing doctoral studies. In addition, approximately 52 officers hold master’s degrees, 58 possess undergraduate degrees, and a further 112 are enrolled in diploma programmes.
“Academia is very important for any striving organisation,” he noted, underscoring the Force’s push to elevate professional standards through education.
Further insights into the training reforms were provided by Head of the Guyana Police Force Academy, Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert, who explained that the institution now runs a range of internal courses throughout the year in addition to standard recruitment training.
She said the updated curriculum for ranks from constable to inspector now replaces traditional promotional examinations and incorporates subjects such as computer studies, emotional intelligence, conflict management, conflict resolution, and foreign languages. According to Herbert, the expanded training aims to improve professionalism and enhance interactions with the public.
Foreign language instruction has also been strengthened in response to increased regional integration and the growing presence of foreign nationals linked to Guyana’s expanding oil and gas sector. Spanish and French are currently offered, while Portuguese training is supported through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Brazilian Embassy.
“We have a number of police ranks… very much literate in Portuguese, Spanish, and pretty soon French,” Herbert said, noting that officers are also being trained to provide translation support in court proceedings.
She further disclosed that the Police Academy has secured both local and international accreditation and is preparing to renew its status while also expanding its academic offerings. Among the planned additions is a tourism policing programme, which authorities say is increasingly necessary as Guyana experiences rapid development and a rise in international visitors and events.
“With the influx of foreign nationals… and all these national events taking place, it is good for the ranks to have the knowledge about tourism policing,” Herbert explained.
The Guyana Police Force says the combined reforms in digitisation, training, and international collaboration are aimed at building a more modern, efficient, and professional policing institution capable of meeting evolving national security demands while aligning with global best practices.