In an effort to rebuild public confidence and address an increase in crime and road fatalities, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn is reconstituting community policing groups across the country.
Delivering the feature address at the launch of the reconstituted National Community Policing grouping on Monday morning, Benn said that over the years, Community Policing Groups (CPGs) had become “dysfunctional” with an overall decline in the number of groups and members.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in a press release on Monday said that a recent review revealed that there has been a 20% decrease in CPGs and a 40% reduction in members. As of March this year, the release said that there were some 210 CPGs which boasted 4000 members. Presently, the release added that there are 166 CPGs with 2903 members.
The release stated that the system crumbled in 2018 following the successful passage of the No-Confidence motion against the previous Government.
“The system was being misused for political purposes and this was accelerated during the run up to the 2020 National Elections and the (election) recount period,” the release contended.
During his address on Monday, Benn provided statistics which showed a 37% increase in murders and a 28% hike in armed robberies when compared to last year.
The release further stated that while there has been a reduction in other crimes, the COVID-19 restrictions are believed to be a contributing factor.
As it relates to road fatalities, the release said an increase of 41% has been recorded.
The figures, according to the Ministry, highlight a “great” challenge for the police which requires support at the community level.
“To this end, the Ministry is working to rebuild confidence in and make the Guyana Police Force professional. The Community Policing Group which is a critical link to the residents will provide much needed support in making communities safe,” the release stated.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas during her remarks noted that CPGs will be established in Regions One and Eight, where there is an influx of foreigners seeking to settle.
This measure, Thomas said, will equip communities such as Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge, Baramita and Mahdia to fight crime.
“We have also added to the crime fighting capacity of Regional Divisions 7, 9 and 10 by forming groups in Kaikan, South Rupununi and North Rupununi and Kwakwani respectively,” the release said.
