According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Information Technology specialist Floyd Levi said on Wednesday that police are implementing an online crime reporting system, an ‘I paid a bribe reporting system’ and the integrated crime solution system.
“A lot of our citizens either have for their personal use cell phones, smart phones, Blackberries, tablets or whatever access to computers,” and the ministry plans to capitalise on the use of these technologies to curb crime, he said.
The online crime reporting system allows any citizen to communicate with the ministry and law enforcement officials, through the use of SMS or text messages, BBMs or email. It has been in operation two months now.
“It is quite simple for the format. You send the text messages in your own words, however you want to relate what is happening as it relates to the crime. You can also send a photograph. Most of the cell phones and smart phones that we have have cameras on them. You can take a photograph and send that. There is also video for those who know to do video recordings,” Levi said.
Information can be forwarded to crimestoppergy@gmail.com, crimestoppergy@yahoo.com or crimestoppergy@hotmail.com. Text messages can be sent to 623-6968, 623-6072 and used of BlackBerry handsets can add pins 2804E429 or 2828B269 to send the data. The system also facilitates anonymous reporting.
The ministry is implementing the system independently to be used by any of the two telephone networks and any wireless or other internet network. The system is simple and to date there have been numerous reports on police ranks, narcotics, drunk driving and the operation of illegal rum shops.
Once a report is made to the ministry or the Guyana Police Force, a decision is then taken about how to proceed. In most cases, an investigation is done and the report followed-up.
Under the “I paid a bribe” reporting system, there is a website that allows citizens to anonymously report on the nature, number, pattern, types, location, frequency and value of bribes within government agencies. This initiative seeks to improve governance systems and procedures, as well as law enforcement activities to fight corruption.
