– Rohee tells GPF ranks at closing of JOC N0.22
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday congratulated 31 junior officers, who successfully completed the Junior Officers’ Course (JOC) No.22 at Police Officers’ Mess Annexe Eve Leary, Georgetown, in which the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee recognised that training in the police force is paramount for ranks to perform effectively. Delivering the feature address, Rohee said that the JOC provides training opportunities for members of the Force, who, with the required training, are placed in a better position to serve the country and community.
He also urged the ranks to use skills garnered from the JOC No.22 to better themselves in their job as middle managers, since it was with great emphasis the lecturers designed the training course to mould them into trained officers to function well.
The minister stated that one of the challenges, however, is applicability of the junior officers and how will they use the knowledge acquired. As such he encouraged their supervisors to lead by example to ensure they manage their jobs well.
He said, “This by no way means that Junior Officers must engage in radical changes against the rules and practicality of the job, but focus on effectiveness to correct deficiencies in problems that may arise since the GPF is always under the microscope; you are expected to conduct yourself in a certain way.”
Rohee explained that the officers were so trained to respond to the needs of the society for service including dealing effectively with instances of domestic violence and abuse as so many young people are involved and there is need for more work to be done to address the growing issue of domestic violence and abuse.
He stated, too, that the police can play a greater role in addressing domestic violence by the formation of youth groups/scouts and engage the community in activities in which young people will benefit.
Rohee also urged the junior officers to upgrade themselves constantly and use the knowledge gained to develop better working relationships and master their job.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell (acting Commissioner) told the gathering that the behaviour of the ranks of the GPF plays a major part in effective management and the junior ranks were asked to return to their respective divisions across the country with a renewed sense of knowledge to bring about changes as middle managers.
He said that as disciplined services members much more is expected of them and urged them to promote a good image of the Force and the training programme was geared to improve self and since he has a vested interest in the conduct of the ranks thereafter he would personally ensure they do what is expected of them.
Giving the Course Evaluation, Assistant Superintendent, Audrey Small  outlined the seven objectives of the training programme in which 80 subjects were covered in two modules by 32 junior officers in 96 days.
Reflecting on the course, Assistant Superintendent, Linden Lord said that during the 14 weeks of intense training it was a challenge and the three weeks the group spent at the University of Guyana (UG) resulted in some of them even applying there to further their studies.
At the end of the closing ceremony Friday last the participants were presented with certificates by the Minister and the Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell.
The ceremony was highlighted with songs by the 32 junior officers, remarks by Force Training Officer, Clinton Conway and musical rendition by the GPF Military Band.