GPF working to better Police-community interactions – Hicken

Amid complaints from members of the public regarding their interactions with ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), sweeping changes will be made in a bid to enhance this relationship.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken divulged during an event on Thursday that the Force is making strides to improve the quality of service to the public, and to ensure seamless interactions with people.
Recognising that there has been issues at the lower level, he indicated that the performance threshold to pass the Force’s entrance examination will be increased.
“We have been bombarded with reports whenever members of the public have interactions with the Police at a lower level. So, we did some internal analysis. We now have an Academy; we’ve adjusted the entrance exam where the pass mark will increase. The type of exam you will be doing now to come into the Force is just above the CXC level. We’re preparing you for that level of entrance because all the courses there after will be accredited coming out of the Academy,” the Top Cop directed.
Very often, persons would document their engagements with officers on the ground – a majority of which are unpleasant.
According to Hicken, the intention is to create a conducive atmosphere where members of the public can interact with the Police without conflict. Simultaneously, ranks will be working under better conditions with plans to enhance existing infrastructure.
“From our research, it tells us that whenever you’re comfortable, the ability or the rate of your performance will automatically increase based on the conduciveness and tools provided to you. We’re doing just that.”
The Top Cop called on ranks to undergo yearly introspection and remain professional. He recognised that one of the biggest negatives has been inability to serve the public.
Hicken urged, “Every year, you need to do introspection, rededication and focus on serving the public and you’re going to stymie most of the challenges we’re getting. The negatives coming to the Force is about inability to serve the public. Please remain professional.”
Going forward, attention will be placed on youth development, covering facets such as prevention, detection and counselling. All regions will also be equipped to tackle crime and other reports within the communities independently.
“We’re going to have all of the divisional commands self-sufficient. They’re not going to ask for Headquarters to augment them in the case of any emergency. We have commenced a process of decentralising construction, transport, daycare, SWAT, canine…That will complement what they have in the regions.” (G12)