GPF records 16% decrease in serious crimes for 2022

– 814 persons charged with DV offences

During his presentation at the annual Police Officers’ Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) at Lilendaal, Greater Georgetown on Thursday, Acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie stated that there has been a 16 per cent decline in serious crimes when compared to the corresponding period last year.
He pointed out that 2021 had seen a successful reduction in serious crimes committed, standing at the lowest figure recorded over a 10-year period.
Further, the acting top cop has said that there has also been a 9.5 per cent decrease in road fatalities, with nine fatalities having been recorded from 15 accidents for 2022. This is compared to 21 fatalities from 20 accidents recorded in March 2021.

“It is anticipated that the vibrant road infrastructure development being carried by Government, coupled with continued vigorous enforcement and education; the observance of the five Cs together with conformation with the road safety rules and regulations; and continued assistance given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Works and the National Road Safety Council and all other stakeholders, will combine to reduce the occurrence of fatal accidents,” the Police Commissioner noted.
To alleviate the degree of threats from society, Hoppie said, trafficking in persons and domestic violence are focal points for the Force, and officers are undergoing training to handle such matters in keeping with international best practices.
“In relation to domestic violence, currently Police ranks are being trained under the CopSquad 2000 initiative launched by the Human Service and Social Security (Ministry) with the aim of providing specialised training in dealing with issues of gender-based violence. This augments the institutionalised training being done at the Felix Austin College, and ensures that such matters are handled with the required level of seriousness and urgency,” the Commissioner highlighted.
Meanwhile, he revealed that domestic violence units have been established at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and in every policing region throughout the country.
Statistics reveal that the Police Force recorded and dealt with 1,692 reports of domestic violence last year, with 814 persons being charged. This is in comparison to 1,665 reports that were made in 2021, when 771 persons were charged. For the same period, 35 cases of trafficking in persons were made, and 11 individuals were charged.
In 2021, Hoppie related, a total of 71 firearms were recovered, comprising 36 pistols, 18 revolvers and 17 shotguns. Meanwhile, 536 grams of cocaine were indicted, resulting in 42 cases being made out against the drug mules. Another 589 grams of cannabis were seized, which led to charges being instituted against 419 persons.
In addition, he disclosed that there was a 32 per cent reduction in fatal accidents, along with a 29 per cent decrease in road fatalities. Those represent the best figures in 16 years.
Statistics also showed that 11,708 cases were made out against speeding drivers, 1097 cases for driving under the influence, and 2,089 cases for unlicensed driving