GPF launches nationwide restorative justice training for officers

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), in collaboration with the Restorative Justice Centre, commenced the first phase of a nationwide sensitisation programme on restorative justice for ranks within the force on Saturday.
The training session was hosted at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp and Young Streets, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
According to a social media post, the objective of the sessions was to educate and engage officers who possess the authority to institute charges on the critical role they can play in facilitating pre-charge referrals to the Restorative Justice Centre as an alternative to traditional court proceedings for minor criminal offences.

In her opening remarks, Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert stated, “This training is an investment in your career development. You are being given a new set of tools to add to your kit. Restorative justice is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of a sophisticated, confident Police force that understands that the ultimate goal of law enforcement is a peaceful society.”
She further encouraged the officers to understand the nuances of restorative justice, recognise when to apply its principles, and appreciate their role as a bridge between the law and the people.

“This training is designed to equip you with the ‘restorative lens’. It will help you identify cases, particularly those involving youth or minor disputes, where a restorative approach can prevent the cycle of crime before it begins,” she added.
Herbert also encouraged the Policemen and women to fully engage in the training, challenge existing biases, and embrace the new tools being introduced. “Our success is no longer measured solely by how many people we put behind bars but by how many lives we keep on the right track,” she added.
Saturday’s session forms part of a countrywide sensitisation programme targeting Police ranks across all Police Regional Divisions.