GPF challenged by persistent cybercrime, drug trafficking offences – Top Cop

Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken has highlighted a series of serious issues confronting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as it endeavours to create a safer Guyana, and growing threats of cybercrime and drug trafficking stand at the top of the list.
This disclosure was made during the Annual Police Officers’ Conference on Thursday, held under the theme “Transforming Unity: Nurturing Trust, Youth Development, Professionalism and Safety Through Competence and Strategic Partnerships”.
Commissioner Hicken underscored that this confab creates the opportunity to reflect on the progress made while confronting challenges in reaching the Strategic Management Plan 2022-2026. The six-pillar framework has guided the GPF in strengthening its operations and ability to serve the public.
“The complex issues (range) from persistent threat of drug trafficking (to) increasing prevalence of cybercrime and digital security threats amid our resource constraints. The challenges include negative social media influence, adapting to changing societal dynamics, balancing the needs of tourism and those of local communities, and addressing issues of petty crime and harassment,” Hicken disclosed.
It has been disclosed that substance abuse, gender-based violence, miner-related criminal activities, violence among youths, transnational crime, illegal migration, and porous borders are also among issues plaguing the Force. And the Force has also encountered internal challenges in recruitment and retention of ranks, the willingness of officers, and greater diversity within ranks.
“Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant, adaptable, and proactive in addressing these evolving challenges and safeguarding our communities from harm,” Hicken has added.
The Force has been successful in equipping police divisions with intelligence committees, implementing predictive analytics for traffic patterns, launching the e-ticketing system, installing cameras on the Mandela to Eccles highway, introducing safety initiatives, digitizing police entrance exams, and decentralising the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), among other measures.
In looking to the future, Hicken shared that the Force is starting to embrace innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement to meet the needs of evolving law enforcement.
“Our projections are therefore to integrate technology in policing methodology through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and predictive policing tools (in order) to implement data-driven decision making in all procedures; enhance traffic management systems through stakeholders’ approach (in order) to implement an inventory of logistics management to improve accountability and transparency of the Force’s assets,” he explained.
The plans extend to implementing SMART Traffic Management Systems and Automated Enforcement Systems in all police regional divisions, such as speed cameras and licence plate recognition; increasing the number of safe houses and Witness Support Programmes; recruiting and retaining sociologists to provide guidance and counselling in each division; establishing specialized crisis intervention teams and training programmes to effectively respond to mental health crises; and diverting individuals from the criminal justice system to appropriate treatment and support services.
The Force has committed to expanding the transportation fleet by 100 percent; which includes prison vans, boats, armoured vehicles and other vehicles. New police buildings would be constructed to meet international standards; and the Force would undertake capacity building and adopt a security posture for the 2025 Regional and General Elections.
The vocational training for at-risk youths and persons unsuccessful at CSEC examinations will be enhanced in partnership with the business communities, and Occupational Health and Safety Units would also be resuscitated.
In surveying this feat to be achieved, Commissioner Hicken posited, “Let us use this conference as a platform to celebrate our achievements, address our challenges, and renew our commitment to excellence in service. Together, we have the power to overcome any obstacle and build a safer, stronger and more resilient community for all.” (G12)