E-ticketing jumps to 24,793 as serious crime falls 27% – Top cop

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a sharp increase in electronic ticketing alongside a 27 per cent decline in serious crime, according to Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken.
Speaking on the opening day of the Force’s 2026 Inspectors’ Conference, Hicken reported that e-ticketing rose from 837 tickets in 2024 to 24,793 in 2026. He attributed the increase to technology-driven enforcement under the Safe Country Framework.
The installation of speed cameras and the rollout of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) contributed to a 29 per cent reduction in road accidents, Hicken said, noting that real-time enforcement has strengthened compliance among road users.
National infrastructure and digital systems were also expanded. Five command centres were constructed in Regions Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), Five (Mahaica–Berbice), Six (East Berbice–Corentye) and 10 (Upper Demerara–Berbice), while 83 Police facilities were rehabilitated. The Force acquired 310 vehicles and marine assets to improve operational mobility.
He also said that digital upgrades included the deployment of 6685 body-worn cameras, 55 CCTV sites and 904 digital workstations, supported by an enhanced 911 emergency system. The ZARA Computer Centres Project was implemented across several administrative regions to expand digital access.
Hicken announced that case files are transitioning from paper-based systems to digital platforms, with full digitisation targeted for hinterland stations and outposts by the end of 2026.
To improve transparency, the Force has introduced a feature on its website allowing members of the public to track traffic violation tickets by entering a ticket number, taxpayer identification number, or vehicle registration number. The e-ticketing system forms part of the SRIS project, implemented in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority.
Hicken said crime reduction remains central to the Force’s operations. He credited the 27 per cent decline in serious crime to special operations, intelligence-led policing, regional and hinterland intelligence committees, and 476 community policing groups nationwide. Increased deployment of ranks and targeted enforcement strategies also contributed to the reduction.
In 2025, 3510 ranks were promoted under a merit-based system, and 1966 ranks received scholarships and sponsorships, including for postgraduate studies. A total of 105 ranks completed language training in Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin.
Professional standards were reinforced through updated standing orders, quarterly assessments and enhanced prosecutorial training. 63 ranks completed the Elementary Prosecutor’s Course and the Police Prosecutor’s Course at the University of Guyana.
Under current traffic laws, speeding or using a mobile phone while driving carries a $7500 fine per offence. Failure to wear a seat belt attracts a $7500 fine for a first offence and $10,000 for a second. Dangerous driving is punishable by a fine between $25,000 and $50,000 for a first offence and $75,000 or suspension of a driver’s licence for repeat offences. Failure to pay a ticket may result in disqualification of a driver’s licence until payment is made.