GPF to bolster holiday security with over 180 additional ranks, high-tech surveillance

– drones, radios, round-the-clock patrols top crime-fighting strategy

As the holiday season approaches, Region 4A (Georgetown), encompassing the capital city of Georgetown, is gearing up for an unprecedented boost in Police presence.
Commander Simon McBean announced that more than 180 additional ranks, along with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and advanced technology, will fortify Region 4A’s Christmas policing strategy. This robust plan, developed with guidance from the Commissioner of Police, will roll out from November 15, 2024, and run through January 1, 2025.
“Our Christmas policing plan is all about providing safety and reassurance to the public, especially in a city like Georgetown that sees a surge in commercial and social activities during the holiday season,” McBean shared at the launch event on Tuesday.
The increased Police presence aims to tackle potential risks associated with the bustling shopping season, social gatherings, and an influx of visitors to the capital.
Georgetown, home to over 120,000 residents, presents unique policing challenges according to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as its busy markets and transportation hubs attract high foot traffic and potential criminals. Commander McBean stressed the importance of targeted policing during this period.
“Georgetown is our major urban city, and with that comes a concentration of crimes and traffic incidents,” he said. “While we’ve recorded a 33 per cent drop in serious crimes this year, challenges remain, including a rise in murder rates.”
To counter these issues, the plan divides Region 4A into 15 sectors, each commanded by an inspector, with patrols strategically allocated based on crime data and the city’s layout. Each shift will deploy 185 patrols, totalling 315 officers on duty, ensuring widespread coverage of Georgetown’s hotspots.
These patrols will include foot, bicycle, motorcycle, and vehicle units, with additional support from mountain and canine patrols.
Commander McBean explained, “We’ll be everywhere we’re needed –markets, bus and car parks, hotels, commercial zones, and even residential areas. Our aim is to provide a safe environment for all residents, visitors, and shoppers throughout the season.”
Also, in this year’s security measures, the GPF is deploying drones for aerial surveillance, along with digital billboards displaying live video feeds. The surveillance billboards, already in use at Stabroek Market in Georgetown, allow the public to observe the area in real time.
“The public has access to these surveillance billboards to see what’s happening around them,” McBean said. “We’ve already seen a significant reduction in incidents at Stabroek Market since installing this technology, and we plan to introduce similar setups in other areas.”

High-risk zones, including Stabroek Market, Regent Street, and Robb Street, will be heavily monitored. Statistics indicate that Thursdays and Fridays are the most crime-prone days in Region 4A, with most incidents occurring between 18:00hrs and midnight.
“Our data-driven approach allows us to focus on these high-risk times and locations with precision,” McBean explained. “Motorcycles remain the preferred escape vehicle for criminals, so we’re stepping up our motorcycle and vehicle patrols in these key areas.”
The plan also addresses Georgetown’s heavy holiday traffic, particularly in known accident hotspots such as Camp Street, Cummings Street, and Mandela Avenue. With a 21.5 per cent decrease in traffic accidents this year, the division is optimistic about further progress, although fatal accidents have seen an increase.
“Speeding and inattentiveness remain primary causes,” McBean said.
The GPF’s holiday policing strategy also prioritises engagement with local stakeholders, including city constabularies, private security firms, and the business community. This collaboration, McBean explained, is essential to creating a safe environment and reducing crime and traffic incidents. “Our strategy is about maximising presence, efficiency, and community trust,” he noted.
In addition to deploying patrols, the GPF will be offering safety advice to shoppers and residents, encouraging caution during the season.
“We’re advising people to carry only essential cash, avoid wearing expensive jewellery, and always be aware of their surroundings,” McBean advised. “With the high quality of security cameras in some areas, the public is safer, but we also encourage people to consider safer payment options like credit cards to reduce risks.”
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Police through the 24/7 GPF command centre, reachable at 911, or the operations centre at 227-1149. For additional convenience, a WhatsApp hotline at 620-0541 has been set up to connect citizens directly with senior officers.
As he concluded his remarks, Commander McBean expressed confidence in the Force’s capability to ensure a safe holiday season.
“With these patrols and the latest technology at our disposal, we’re ready to ensure a safe and festive Christmas for all in Region 4A,” he affirmed. (G9)