Cops receive ‘refresher’ training on using roadways

In light of the multiple accidents in which junior Police ranks have been involved — over 20 ranks were involved in accidents wherein police vehicles were damaged –the Guyana Police Force disclosed earlier this week that subordinates have been trained to effectively operate the Force’s fleet of vehicles.
“The ranks who were involved in accidents [involving police vehicles] were given a refresher course. Some of them were inexperienced, and we recognised that there

was need for some of them to have refresher training,” Traffic Chief Deon Moore noted.
He added that there was training on operating 4-wheel-drive motor vehicles, especially for patrols on the highways.
“The 4-wheel driving course lasted for six weeks. Having recognized that we have a lot of drivers who would have had… In the past, some of them were not fully equipped for driving manual vehicles. The Force has taken a decision to train all of our drivers to have (them) equipped to drive manual and automatic vehicles,” Moore pointed out.
He also disclosed that there was another traffic course wherein 25 ranks were trained to serve in the Traffic Department.
“With the new Chinese grant, we recognized the need for more drivers, so we have embarked on a remedial training of 190 ranks within a short period. (And this) will continue until (there are) enough ranks for the Force’s vehicles,” he remarked.
This training comes against the backdrop of Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine’s revelation that some nine junior ranks have been dismissed so far this year for their involvement in various traffic accidents in which persons lost their lives; and some drivers were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). However, in those instances when fatal accidents occurred, the Police ranks were operating their private motor cars.
Earlier this month, the Guyana Police Force received from the Chinese Government a hefty donation of vehicles and equipment worth US$2.6 million. Added to the existing Police fleet were 56 pickup trucks, 44 motorcycles, 35 ATVs and five buses.