OVER the past decade the Government of Guyana (GoG) has undergone a fundamental transformation, but Guyana has not been able to chart a course towards a modernised, economically and socially viable and progressive police force and army.

The contract with a U.S. firm to build capacity within the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force is a good one as it set out to see the lawmen being trained in modern policing techniques.

These projects and strategy must lay a solid foundation for the renewal of virtually every element within the police force. Although much remains to be done to fulfill this vision, the community policing strategy (CPS) will set a new course by recognising the inter-relationship between the police and the society and especially, the importance of the public confidence for sustained human development. It should be noted that over the past few years, the government has taken a number of decisive measures to begin to address the challenges of the Guyana Police Force without success. Improved budgeting and fiscal planning systems, combined with other initiatives such as improving public confidence in the integrity of the force.

The CPS will have to lay a solid foundation on which to shape a comprehensive and forward-looking plan for the modernisation if it is to succeed. Aware that trying to do “everything at once ” would lead to certain failure, care and attention must be given to identify the vital many interventions that will make the biggest difference. This exercise will cost the Guyanese people US$22M

Particular attention should be given and identifying the essential stumbling blocks for sustainable public confidence. The CPS should concentrate on building lines of accountability, providing timetables and milestones and ensuring that top leaders in the force continue to play the lead role in planning, assessing progress and taking the decisions that will be required to sustain the long term project.

Finally, a three-element programme phased over several years should be implemented to improve transparency by increasing access to information, streamline the regulatory framework of the police force and improve ethics and integrity.
MOHAMED KHAN