Indiscipline will not be tolerated – Top Cop warns

…as Police Force gets 151 new ranks

Indiscipline will not be tolerated within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as the law enforcement entity seeks to move ahead as a professional organisation.
This was the warning issued by Police Commissioner Leslie James to the 151 new ranks, who graduated on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Tactical Services Unit at Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Some of the new recruits at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Tuesday

“Remember the oaths which you all took, remember the question am I a credit to the Force? Once you remember those things, the professional execution of your duties will be very simple. You will be measured by the standards that are set by us, I’ve made it very clear previously and I wish to say this afternoon to you that excellent work will be rewarded and in the same breath, indiscipline will not be tolerated,” the Commissioner cautioned. The Top Cop expressed the need for excellence from the new ranks which, according to him, will be rewarded.

Police Commissioner Leslie James

As the GPF celebrates its 180th anniversary this year, the Commissioner revealed that plans are in the pipeline to introduce training in human resources management, police community engagement, station management, the role and functions of subordinate officers, tourism policing, conflict management and conflict resolution, risk management, operational management, public speaking and communication skills, professional ethics in law enforcement and cybercrimes management.
Meanwhile, the new recruits were trained in six courses at the Felix Austin Police College, Georgetown, the Felix Austin Police College Adventure, Berbice, and the Richard Austin Police College, Essequibo Coast.
They were trained in various conceptual areas such as the introduction to policing, a look at basic policing junior stage, the theoretical and practical aspect of traffic, crime, anger management, English Language, Spanish, domestic violence, human rights and communication.
Additionally, the ranks were all taught the basics of administering first aid.
The recruits were exposed to the pragmatic aspect of information technology and martial arts and had a first-hand insight and demonstration of how a post-mortem examination is conducted. However, they were also involved in extracurricular activities such as cricket, basketball, volleyball and football.
Reflecting on training, Constable Rodriguez said that while it was a tough course, she is delighted that she along with her colleagues were able to complete the training.
“Serving as a Police Officer in the Guyana Police Force is certainly no easy job but is an extraordinary duty with extraordinary requirement, requirements that we will strive to meet with faith, hard work, dedication and discipline,” the newly minted rank noted.