Top Cop promotes seven cops during Region 10 visit

Police ranks at the Mackenzie Police Station Headquarters
Police ranks at the Mackenzie Police Station Headquarters

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken yesterday promoted seven police ranks “on the spot” during a visit to the Mackenzie Police Station Headquarters in Region 10. The promotions were announced during a meeting with Regional Commander Superintendent Guy Nurse and officers and ranks of the division, a release from the police said.

The newly promoted ranks are Constable Braithwaite, Detective Constables Wilson, Ushar, and Woman Constable Fraser, all elevated to the rank of Corporal. Additionally, Constables Williams and Taylor, along with Woman Constable Wilson, were promoted to Lance Corporal.

Hicken was accompanied by members of the Force’s Executive Leader-ship Team (ELT), including Deputy Commissioners Ravindradat Budhram, Errol Watts, Wendell Blan-hum, and Simon McBean. During the meeting, they outlined the strategic direction for 2025 and the expectations for police ranks in the region.

In his feature address, Commissioner Hicken focused on the six pillars of the Force’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and said “The patrols, traffic, and everybody need to work together to have great success. No more Detective alone, no more General Duty alone, no more Traf-fic Police alone. You’re going to all work together. You’re [going to] complement each other in terms of information, seizures, and success. This starts now,” he stated.

Hicken also urged officers to strengthen ties with the community as a means of combating crime.

“Get into the communities and engage the residents. This is critical in addressing issues and integral in the fight against crime,” he said.

He expressed concern about the crime rate in Linden, despite the presence of over 150 police ranks.

“You should not have crime occurring here because Linden is a busy place with friendly people. This is unacceptable,” the Commissioner declared.

The Commissioner also emphasized the need for increased seizures of guns and drugs through traffic stops conducted in accordance with the Force’s Standing Orders.

He also instructed that no vehicle should be stopped without the presence of body cameras. “No traffic or general duty police must stop any vehicles without a body camera. If there’s suspicion, call the operation room, continue the pursuit, but let the people with the body camera curtail the vehicle so it will be done properly,” he directed.