Police Commissioner Henry Greene is reporting an overall decrease in crime, although there have been slight increases in the West Demerara district, ‘E and F’ Division and Essequibo.
Greene made the announcement on Thursday during the Guyana Police Force’s annual awards ceremony at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary, where policemen and women were given financial rewards for outstanding performances over the last year. He told those in attendance at the ceremony that serious crimes have dropped in comparison with the levels last year, which he called a good indicator that the police force is working hard. He blamed the increases at ‘E and F’ Division and Essequibo on easy access and drugs coming from Venezuela, as well as to persons moving from Georgetown to those areas to commit crimes. There has also been an increase in traffic accidents and deaths.
In addition to the drop in serious crimes, there has also been a drop in gun crimes, which Greene attributed to the seizure of firearms as a result of regular patrols. He did, however, note that there is evidence that bandits are renting guns.
Over the last few months, car-jackings have decreased but it was discovered that the culprits are using bogus documents, which points to collusion by the Licence Office. However, Greene said that they have been unable to detect those involved in the practice.
Another area of concern is a recent case of a fire arm licence being found to be forged. He explained that a firearm was found and while the licence was genuine, the signature was forged, which he called a clear sign that the system has been penetrated.
There is an 11% rise in complaints against policemen lodged with the Office of Professional Responsibility, Greene also noted. He did, however, report that fatal shootings at the hands of the police have also dropped. There were 17 cases last year, compared with 12 cases this year. Two kidnappings were also solved.
Motivation
Greene defended the financial awards, explaining that they serve to motivate ranks to work harder. He emphasised that the force has always being structured to recognise the work of ranks and he noted that such award ceremonies help to identify those who will be the future of the force. He said that ranks have to be motivated to work harder and this is being done through financial recognition. Greene added that over the years, millions of dollars have been given to ranks. He pointed out that the force has gotten a bad image because of several incidents but urged the awardees and the other members of the force gathered to continue to carry out their duties in the right manner. “You have the ability to work and perform,” he told the ranks, adding that the force may not be able to prevent crimes but they should be able to detect them.
Inspector Trevor Reid was awarded the Best Cop Award, while Brickdam’s Sergeant Sherlock Houston was named the runner-up. Just last week Houston was awarded for being the top cop for ‘A’ Division this year and at the award ceremony last year he copped the runner up position.
At the ceremony, 11 ranks, including those receiving sports awards, walked away with monies totalling more that $1M, trophies and plaques. The ranks from ‘A’ Division who were instrumental in solving the August kidnapping of Rohema Dookie were among 18 who received commendations and awards. Several community groups from across the country were also recognised for their work. (Zoisa Fraser)
