Govt mulls linking GPF’s response system with private security firms to tackle crime – President

To match the pace at which the Guyana Police Force (GPF) operates with the unprecedented transformation which lies ahead for Guyana, President Irfaan Ali has signalled the possibility of deepening the GPF’s ties with private security counterparts for faster crime-fighting and response.

The Head of State highlighted the slow response rate from the Police Force and the setbacks attached to this challenge while addressing Police ranks on Thursday.
In the same breath, he said Government is working to have a more rapid response in policing, and is examining how these operations can be linked to private security firms.
“For too long, there have been reports of slothful response. Our intention is to improve the Force’s communication operational readiness so as to ensure a system of rapid response to crime reports… In order to support the work of the Guyana Police Force, I have asked the Minister to examine how our response system can be linked to private security agencies, because private security agencies are increasing in our country and they have a lot of assets. If we integrate our response system, then we can also have a response mechanism with private security that is supported by Government,” Dr Ali underscored.
According to him, if the Force’s efficiency is not on par with the fast-growing economy and developments which await the country, this transformation would be restrained.
“The economy is expanding, but we have a very limited population. So, the strategy has to be built on effective and efficient use of technology. Guyana’s transformation will become restraining unless security vastly improves. Crime must not be the bugbear of development,” he said
“The Government will be investing in the technological advancement of the Force. It will also be equipping the Force with means, both material and human, to bring about drastic improvements for public safety. The Government will also be investing in ensuring a system of rapid and resolute response to crime. Technology has the potential to be a gamechanger in policing,” the President added.
Ali spoke about Government’s vision to have a digitalised and technology-driven law enforcement apparatus – a mechanism that would enable the idea of smart policing. To this end, digital ticketing is being mulled.
“We have started this discussion with the Guyana Revenue Authority. On all our new highways, we’re looking to incorporate this feature, where we can move towards digital ticketing in terms of speeding, seatbelt violations, and so on. That system must be automatically linked to the suspension of licence… We have a lot of modern laws that is there that I wouldn’t say is ineffective, but it’s not giving us the results because the system is not in place.”
Another facet, digital reporting booths, is being considered to restore confidence in the public to make reports without any fear.
“I want to propose a pilot in which we have digital reporting booths in which people can write their own statements, make their own reports, and send it to the Police or on a platform. If there is a fear of going into a Police setting or a Police station, then the digital reporting booth can help us. This is something we should work on as an experiment,” President Ali proposes.
To have safer roadways for commuters and pedestrians, attention was placed on the installation of radar devices to identify reckless road users. In this regard, the President lamented the irresponsible ways in which people traverse Guyana’s roadways, putting themselves and others in danger.
“Our roads are to move people safely around. They are not racing circuits or local remakes of the ‘Fast and Furious’. I have already signalled that we install speed radars on our main roads, so that we can identify those who use our roads recklessly and for driving infractions. This will be a costly investment, but one which is absolutely essential.”