Over sixty ranks of `A’ Division were on Friday recognised for their work and commitment during this year at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Christmas Luncheon held at the Brickdam Police Station.
The ranks received trophies, cash, food hampers and other gifts.
Woman Constable Olabasi Johnson has been named Divisional Best Cop for making over 500 traffic cases.
In addition to receiving the Roraima Award, Johnson was promoted to Lance Corporal by Police Commissioner Henry Greene.
The runner up spot went to Assistant Superintendent Ricky Das who is attached to the Ruimveldt Police Station. In addition to a trophy from National Hardware, Das was awarded a dinner for two.
Top cop of the month awards were handed out to 12 ranks while another 35 received the Commander’s award.
The kitchen staff were also honoured at the event.
Divisional Commander George Vyphuis in his address told the gathering that the significant reduction in serious crime (just about – 20%) for the Division is very commendable. He thanked his ranks for their hard work and commitment in making this achievement a reality.
He however expressed hope that the figure will stand at -25% at year end before stressing that would only be possible if “all of us do what is expected of us”.
The Assistant Commis-sioner thanked Greene for ensuring that ranks had the right tools to ensure their job was executed.
“A Division is not an ordinary division. ‘A` Division is the feet of governance. `A` Division is the hub where all the activities take place and as a result of that it is important that we at `A’ Division ensure that we stay on top of our game”, he noted.
He said that within the last month, the Division has managed to train eight neighbourhood police ranks while another eight are currently at the Felix Austin Police College.
He said that they have also managed to form youth clubs, in Brickdam and in Agricola, East Bank Demerara.
According to Vyphuis out of the youth club a Scouts Group would be formed with over 40 young people.
He said that mixing with the community through `Face the community meetings’ is another of the Division’s achievements.
Meanwhile in delivering the Christmas message, Commissioner Greene urged the ranks to become involved with young people and offer them advice and help.
He urged them to become leaders in the community and form youth clubs. Greene stated that policing is not all about running behind criminals but also, preventing crime; doing things that deter people from going into crime.
He noted that one of the strategies in preventing crimes is forming youth clubs or working with youths and even adults.
Greene later commended the Division for their involvement in sports particularly the drill competition despite their heavy workload. “Even though you work hard you still find the time to be involved in out-of- work activities and I must commend you for that”, he added.
Agricola
He noted that he is pleased with the Agricola youth project, stressing that this community is one that is crime prone at the moment. He added that there is a noticeable change in Agricola adding that the work of the police has made a significant impact in this regard.
He said that the Force continues to donate items to the community for the youths.
Later, the Commissioner awarded the ranks of the 911 unit $100, 000 for “bringing a new look to the 911”.
He said that the unit was recently commended by the business section for their good word.
The ‘A’ Division library which was officially opened following the luncheon was given a further $100, 000 by the Commissioner to purchase books. Greene urged the ranks to read and dedicate time to expanding their vocabulary by learning new words.
`A’ Division was awarded $300, 000.
Musical renditions, a skit on domestic violence, a calypso and a fashion show preceded the luncheon which consisted of the traditional ham, black cake and ginger beer among other goodies.
