As training for new police officers remains on a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) currently has a backlog of applications dating from as far as more than five years ago.
“…Hence the backlog and persons on a waiting list….or a delay……Some possibly since 2015 still waiting,” Force Training Officer, Shivpersaud Bacchus said on Tuesday during his appearance on the GPF weekly Police and You programme.
Training for police recruits was halted more than a year ago following the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
According to Bacchus, it is unclear when the process will recommence.
“We are eagerly waiting on that and as soon as we ready to proceed on the recommencing of initial training for recruits, we will so advertise via the electric and print media. Also social media,” he said.
Bacchus explained that the force receives an estimated 3000 applicants every year. Out of the amount, approximately 540 persons are trained every year, he said.
The training programme runs for a period of six months. Two batches are trained annually with each programme consisting of 270 individuals.
Additionally, Bacchus noted that there is an average of 75 walk-in applicants per a week.
Training is conducted at the force’s training colleges in Georgetown, Berbice and Essequibo. The Felix Austin Police College in Georgetown usually has the larger amount of applicants per a programme.
Bacchus said despite criticisms about the salary paid to a police officer, many of the applicants apply to be part of the force for job security purposes.
“…..People look at job security and maybe they want to serve their country by being a police. When you join the organisation there are certain disciplines within you that it bring out …..hence the attraction of the job,” he said.
Persons desirous of becoming a member of the GPF can uplift forms at any of the regional police headquarters across the country.
A series of examinations are then done including a medical and entrance examination. Once successful, persons are selected to undergo the training.
