Woman Detective Sergeant 20846 Melanie Hale, who helped solve several high-profile murders over the past year was yesterday named 2020’s overall ‘Best Cop’ of the Guyana Police Force at the annual awards ceremony.
The policewoman, who is attached to Region 4(A) was recognized for her commitment in performing her duties which led to arrests and subsequent charges in a number of criminal matters including high-profile murders.
She received a total of $400,000 in cash, a plaque, a trophy and a trip to Kaieteur Falls compliments of the Roraima Group of Companies.
Detective Sergeant 20310 Leon George, who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Golden Grove Police Station, was the runner-up.
He has been a member of the force for over 13 years and was instrumental in solving a number of robberies, murders, seizures of narcotics and also dismantling a carjacking ring. He received the sum of $300,000 and a plaque. A total of $23M in cash and other incentives were distributed to 2997 ranks from the ten Administrative Regions. Each region had a ‘Best Cop’.
The ceremony which was held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary was only attended by a small percentage of the awardees in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines. The police in a press release yesterday said that during her brief remarks, Hale thanked the Administration of the Force for recognizing her efforts.
She highlighted that her receiving the award demonstrates gender equality within the force.
“It shows clearly that there is gender equality in the Guyana Police Force and it is evident that women can be just as disciplined, efficient, hardworking, professional and above all productive as their male counterparts in the field of law enforcement,” the release said.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie during the feature address urged the ranks to be professional when dealing with members of the public.
“All members of the Force have a responsibility to act professional at all times and to treat each report and reporter with the highest level of professionalism,” the statement noted.
Despite the challenges faced this year, it added that Hoppie acknowledged ranks for their performances. “…..Commissioner (ag) acknowledged that it is always difficult to recognize few from many, but emphasized that earnest recognition must at all times be given to the work of the many,” the statement said.
