The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recorded 481 less crimes this year compared to last year as well as the third lowest number of murders over the past ten years.
Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum made this disclosure on Tuesday while delivering remarks at the CID annual Christmas luncheon and awards ceremony which was held at the Police Officers Mess Annex, Eve Leary.
According to Blanhum, this year the CID has recorded 1521 crimes, which reflects a 19 percent reduction in serious crime when compared to the 2002 crimes reported last year.
Blanhum said for the year so far, a total of 122 murders has been recorded, 80 percent of which have been solved. “More importantly, our detection and clear up rate for murder is at an all-time high, that is 80.3 percent,” he said.
The figure, he noted is the third lowest number of murders which has been recorded over the past ten years.
Additionally, 49 kilograms of cocaine was seized – the third highest seizure within the past five years and the highest ganja seizure of 789 kilograms occurred this year, Blanhum said.
And, he said 78 illegal fire-arms were taken off the streets.
In outlining the department’s focus for the new year, Blanhum said “greater” emphasis will be placed on technology, training, recruitment and partnership. “The Criminal Investigation Department intends to explore technology and data to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal groups,” he said.
“We intend to continue to work with and collaborate with ranks at the command centre and have them deliver to us valuable and real time information,” Blanhum added.
In 2023, Blanhum said an additional 60 ranks will be targeted for training. “CID will also continue to produce high quality investigation and strengthen our cooperation and partnership with all the relevant stakeholders,” he noted.
To enhance their investigative skills, Blanhum further stated that forensic video analysts will be exposed to further advanced training.
He added that the CID will continue to make earnest efforts to prevent and detect crimes, thereby protecting society and the vulnerable communities.
This year, Sergeant Kester Cosbert from the Major Crimes Unit was named the CID ‘Best Cop.’
The department’s runner-up ‘Best Cop is Woman Corporal Marlyn Rodney, who is attached to the Trafficking in Person Unit.
For each unit within the CID, there was a best performer.
A number of special awards were also given out. Among the recipients were Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh; Police Legal Advisor, Mandel Moore and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack.
