Dear Editor,
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) recently embarked on a robust recruitment programme in all the regional police divisions. Was it a success? Not surprising, the police have not yet updated the public on the recent recruitment.
The extended acting Commission-er of Police at the Police Officers’ Annual Conference 2024 bemoaned the fact that there are major challenges in recruiting and retaining members of the force.
As part of the new recruitment policy the police raised the educational standard for entry into the force to that of the Caribbean Exami-nations Council (CXC) level and above. The law enforcement agency however, did not indicate the number of CXCs required, the required grades and whether or not passes in English Language and Mathematics are compulsory. Raising the entry level to that of the CXC will definitely prevent many persons with lower educational qualifications, but, who have the desired attributes to become excellent police officers from becoming members of the GPF. This policy does not cater for late developers. History is replete with persons joining the force with just their birth certificates and primary education. Many became very distinguished commissioners and senior officers. They also demitted office with tertiary education. If you do not believe the above statement talk to retired Assistant Commissioners Paul Slowe and Clinton Conway.
When recruiting, the legal role of members of the Guyana Police Force must come into play. Here it is. Section 3 (2) of the Police Act Chapter 16:01 “The prevention and detection of crime. The preservation of law and order. The preservation of the peace. The repression of internal disturbance. The protection of property. The apprehension of offenders. The due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which it is directly charged and shall perform such Military Duties in Guyana as may be required of it by or under the Authority of the Minister.” In addition, there are some unwritten expectations imposed on the police by the society all members of the force swore to serve and protect. The citizens expect the police to be: courteous, fair, impartial, honest, reliable, dedicated, dependable, uncorruptible, community-friendly so as not to alienate the public and to respond to well-founded criticism with a willingness to change. Also, persons on joining the GPF swore to perform their duties without favour or affection, malice or ill will.
In addressing recruiting, Wayne W Bennette and Karen M Hess in their book Management and Supervision in Law Enforcement, posited, “Today’s law enforcement agencies seek a new breed of officers – a balance of brawn and brains – one who possesses not only physical qualities traditionally associated with policing, such as strength and endurance, but also the emotional and intellectual characteristics needed to effect public order in an ever-changing and diverse society. “People skills’ have become a critical tool for law enforcement officers.” The authors were writing for the American society. It is relevant to the Guyana Police Force.
In order to attract a better quality of recruits there must be a paradigm shift in the recruitment strategy to include the operation of assessment centres. In addition, the public image of the force must be greatly improved. There must be better salary and allowances. Improved conditions of service are a sine qua non.
May God help the Guyana Police Force.
Yours sincerely,
Clinton Conway