63 new CID ranks urged to strengthen crime-fighting through collaboration, skill development 

Collaborating with external agencies plays a critical role in protecting life and property, maintaining law and order, and preventing and detecting crime, Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum conveyed to 63 persons who are now part of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after completing the CID induction course.

Blanhum highlighted that while 120 ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had applied to become detectives, only a select number could be accommodated in the classroom, noting that those who were not selected will have another opportunity to participate in the next CID induction course scheduled for September. He empathised with many of the graduates who would have experienced sleepless nights during the training, but said their hard work and commitment had paid off; highlighted that the participants began the course with little or no knowledge of the intricacies of criminal investigations, and remarking that detective work is far different from what is often portrayed on television.
The Deputy Commissioner encouraged the graduates to remain focused, develop sharp analytical and observational skills, and stay resilient in the face of challenges. The course was designed to develop the requisite investigative skills of participants, enabling them to understand and apply procedures in criminal investigations. Its objectives included orienting inductees to their roles as investigators, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle criminal investigations and enabling them to articulate informed opinions on crime scene analysis and investigative responses.
Participants included members of the GPF, along with representatives from external agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU). During the ceremony, held at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Street, Georgetown, certificates were presented to the graduates.
The top performers were Sergeant Leroy Carrol (GPF), Investigator Shanice Williams (GRA) and Constable Naresh Ragnauth (GPF).
A special prize was also introduced this year for the best-performing student from an external agency. Also present at the ceremony were Senior Superintendent Mitchell Caesar, Head of the Narcotics Branch; Deputy Superintendent Fiona Fredericks; along with several other senior and junior officers of the GPF.