For the year 2022, the Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) policing division has recorded an 11 percent decrease in serious crime with a 60 percent reduction in murders.
This disclosure was made by Police Commander, Kurleigh Simon during his address at the Region Five annual Christmas breakfast and awards ceremony which was held on Friday.
According to Simon, the division also recorded a 66 percent decrease in all categories of robberies and a 19 percent drop in break and enter and larceny.
However, Simon noted that the offence of rape has been the division’s problem for the year with 15 cases recorded when compared to 11 in the previous year.
Through raids and roadblocks, Simon said 136 kilograms of narcotics was seized.
Meanwhile, in his feature address, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken reminded ranks that professionalism is paramount and ethical standards must be maintained when executing their duties.
In a press release, the police said Hicken noted that in order to have a professional Guyana Police Force, it is important that ranks understand the dynamics of your community with the divisional boundaries and station boundaries.
Once this is done, he said management of the regional police divisions becomes easier.
Additionally, the release said Hicken noted that the force is currently undergoing significant upgrades and rapid transformation.
In doing so, he said they will ensure that all divisional outposts have infrastructure that is comfortable for both the ranks and members of the public.
Also, the release said Hicken added that the force is “constantly” expanding its internal capabilities in order to meet the needs of the public.
Hicken also stressed on the importance of cooperation and partnership between the police and communities while noting that the GPF cannot operate in isolation.
Some 32 ranks were recognized for their performance throughout the year during the event which was held at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Institute.
Detective Lance Corporal 22329 Dunstand McKalman was named the division’s Best Cop. The runner-up Best Cop is Corporal 20619 Edwards.
Both ranks received monetary rewards and other incentives.
