The Home Affairs Ministry is looking to establish a Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to address cyber attacks as continued emphasis is being placed on equipping the Guyana Police Force with modern resources to fight crime, Minister Clement Rohee says.
Delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony of the Senior Officers Training Programme yesterday, Rohee said that with the rapid technological development that has been taking place worldwide, Guyana has to adapt to meet the challenges this brings. Those developments have not been ignored, he said, as his ministry has been promoting the computerising of the force among other things. “Let me warn that a computer illiterate man or woman has no place in the modern police force,” he said adding that the present construction of a modern forensic laboratory is also part of the aim to get the force up to par.
He said the ministry is also continuing to work on legislation to address a number of issues, including cyber crimes.
He added that the establishment of a CIRT would address incidents of cyber attacks. Noting that some may see this idea as “far fetched,” he said that in spite of Guyana’s size or economic strength, it still has to take steps to protect its vital national interest.
Rohee also emphasised the importance of a good community/police relationship is important. “Members of the community are considered to be your customers and in all practical terms you are expected to fashion your policing strategy in a manner that results always to the satisfaction of the public,” he said, adding that ranks must take necessary steps to win the confidence of the public.
He added that because of our society’s makeup there is also the need for all ranks to be sensitised about policing in diverse communities in order to resolve conflicts in those communities.
Turning his attention to the senior ranks, Rohee said that senior police managers ought to be aware of the changing nature of policing and the effects and impact it could have not only on them but on their organisation.
“It requires you as senior managers to be always aware of the environment in which you have to manage the force,” he said adding that managing the force and managing the changes go hand in hand.
Rohee added that senior officers must also be aware of the UN code of conduct for law enforcement officials and other conventions dealing with the rights of citizens. These conventions along with domestic laws and the force’s standing orders, he stressed, must be used as guidelines for the performance of ranks.
He said that ranks must be aware of vulnerable groups which can serve as “incubators of criminal elements and potential recruit to gangs that can eventually become threats to the peace and good order in our country.”
Acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell remarked that the force has to work with the public if crime and traffic issues are to be handled effectively.
He said the establishment of the Citizens Security Programme (CSP) has brought about changes in the force.
Twelve ranks from the police force and one each from the Guyana Prison Service and the City Constabulary participated in the four-week programme, which had the support of the University of Guyana and the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Woman Superintendent Maxine Graham was the only female among the police officers who were trained. Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Brian Joseph and divisional commanders Owen Trotz (C), Christopher Griffith (D) and Clifton Hickens (E&F) were also among the officers on the course.
The programme’s aim was to equip the participants with the necessary tools to improve competence, techniques and skills to successfully command their units.
Force Training Officer Clinton Conway said briefly that training is critical as the GPF goes through reform. He said that during the programme, the interaction sessions stimulated the thoughts of the participants.
Meanwhile, Graham in her course reflection recalled how “heated” the sessions were as the participants give their respective views on a number of issues.
