Commissioner of Police Leslie James yesterday maintained that despite a few “sensational” crimes of recent, there has not been an upsurge.
“….I wish to advise very, very clearly that there is no upsurge in crime in the state of Guyana. There have been a few sensational—what we referred to as sensational—crimes,” James told a press conference held at the Commissioner’s Conference room, Eve Leary yesterday afternoon.
Nonetheless, James said that like the citizens, the police force is also concerned about the occurrence of these crimes.
The Top Cop explained that the press conference was organised in light of statements made about the country’s crime rate.
James said that presently, the force has recorded a 2.7% decrease in serious crimes, compared with the same period last year.
This figure, he disclosed, is based on statistics of reported crimes.
Following a review, the United States State Department last Thursday maintained its Level 2 Travel Advisory for Guyana, advising its citizens to exercise increased caution when visiting.
The advisory states, “Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
The advisory also warns US citizens to be “extra vigilant” when conducting certain exercises, such as walking and driving at nights, visiting the banks and ATMs and not to display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.
James said that after he learnt of the advisory, he contacted at least one official at the United States (US) embassy here.
An interaction was held during which it was understood that crimes which were not reported to the police were reported to the embassy.
“And flowing from my interaction, what is apparent is that matters which were not reported to the police might have been reported to them. And I did say, very, very clearly, that all matters of crime, all crimes ought to be reported and it is only then we can have a proper representation of the truthful situation… we can only report on what is reported to us,” James noted.
In the same breath, the Commissioner assured the populace and visitors that there is not an increase in crime.
He also noted that the force is currently engaged in a strategic plan, which commenced this year and runs up to 2022.
To date, James said he has been informed and is aware that there has been improvement in the police force’s responsiveness to reports of crime.
He urged citizens who might have experienced a “lacklustre” response from the police following an attempt via the 911 emergency system that there are other channels within the force where their reports can be made.
