Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken wants ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to be good ambassadors of the Police Force and improve their relationship with their communities to help reduce crime.
The Top Cop was at the time addressing over 500 policemen and women stationed at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, at a meeting held yesterday at the Police Officers Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, a GPF release stated.
He was accompanied by members of his Executive Leadership Team (ELT) which included Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Ravindradat Budhram; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Errol Watts; Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ Wendell Blanhum; Head of SOCU, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh; and Commander of Region 4 ‘A’, Deputy Commissioner, Simon McBean.
The meeting focussed on what is expected of police ranks at all levels and in every department and division in 2025, with the Commissioner informing that emphasis will be placed on improving the Force in every aspect. This includes the continuous development of its human resources through academic, police-related training, infrastructural development and importantly, forging meaningful relationships with members of the public and communities throughout Guyana.
Some of these developments include: 1) upgrading of physical infrastructure to meet the needs of police ranks and which are conducive to visiting members of the public; 2) technological advancements to bolster crime fighting, traffic management, and improved service delivery to members of the public; and 3) improved operational efficiency through the acquisition and allocation of resources.
Hicken reminded those present of their role as law enforcement officers, exhorting them to be good ambassadors of the Police Force and to strengthen their relationships with the communities in which they live. This, he emphasised, plays an integral role in helping to reduce crime.
He also urged the ranks to do more and maintain the initiative. “We’re doing well, but we can do more. This is the first time in the history of the Guyana Police Force, [that] we can walk into any community, any region, and interact with members of the public. This initiative is one that must be maintained and will be maintained. And when you leave here today and you venture into where you live, you are to create an atmosphere where people are willing to come on board with you.”
Addressing the issues of conduct, appearance, and punctuality, Hicken sternly warned that as policemen and women, they will always be under scrutiny for these attributes and if found in breach of any, they will be dealt with accordingly.
The Top Cop also touched on the issue of the much-anticipated promotions list. While assuring that the list will be released soon, he reminded the ranks that not everyone can be promoted at the same time. “I don’t need to tell you when, but it’s going to come very soon. You’re going to have your promotions.”
Hicken told the assembly that despite its challenges and setbacks, the Guyana Police Force will continue to expand and progress. “This Guyana Police Force will continue to progress until we become the best [Police Force] in the Caribbean.”
Members of the ELT also delivered charges to the ranks, with the underlying theme being the need for unity and teamwork and to support each other. They also urged the ranks to be honest and professional at all times and be ever cognisant of their deportment and self-discipline as they stay true to their sworn mandate to serve and protect, the release added.