As part of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) efforts to strengthen police-community relations, Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, yesterday visited Onderneeming Sandpit on the Essequibo Coast, in Region Two, where scores of residents turned out to air the issues affecting their community, a GPF release stated.
Hicken was accompanied by Regional Division # 2 Commander, Superintendent Ravindra Stanley, Deputy Commander Duncan, members of the Regional Council, and Community Policing Group, Toshaos, and other GPF personnel.
According to the release, the residents took advantage of the opportunity to highlight some of the issues plaguing their community, most of which were addressed on the spot by the Top Cop, who provided solutions based on the specific needs of the community.
He told those in attendance that community/police partnerships are part of the Force’s strategic plan to bridge the gap between the Force and citizens by strengthening these ties. The residents were told that Joint Services anti-crime patrols would commence that very evening.
The Commissioner assured the gathering that the Force is actively working on initiatives to increase patrols and enhance visibility in the area. Plans were also shared about community policing programs that aim to involve residents in crime prevention efforts.
Hicken emphasised that effective policing requires the support and cooperation of the community members and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities and participate in local crime prevention meetings.
Plans for follow-up visits and regular community meetings were discussed, in an effort to keep the dialogue open and ensure that the police remain attuned to the needs of the community, the release added.
