Murders down 18%, rape 49% – top cop

…credits tech-driven policing for 7% drop in armed robberies, 15% in B&E, larceny

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said that it has recorded declines in several categories of serious crime, as intensified operations and technology-driven policing continue to help law enforcement efforts across the country. Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, on Episode 1 of Police Round Up on Sunday, disclosed that key offences, including murder, armed robbery and rape, have decreased, even as the Force expands its use of intelligence-led strategies and surveillance systems.
“We’re experiencing serious crime in the country, and that’s a problem,” Hicken acknowledged, while outlining measurable progress. According to the Commissioner, murders have declined by 18 per cent, armed robberies by seven per cent, rape by 49 per cent, and break-and-enter and larceny by 15 per cent.
He further revealed that law enforcement has seized 51 firearms. The Commissioner attributed much of the progress to intelligence-led policing and the expansion of command centres equipped with surveillance technology. “Our successes came from most of it… from the command centres in terms of electronic cameras and the rest of it,” Hicken said, noting that the initiative has evolved from a “safe city” concept to a broader national security framework. He pointed to a recent incident in Georgetown where real-time monitoring allowed ranks to intervene and prevent a robbery before it was carried out. “If something occurs, we are going to sweep down on it right away. It’s a prevention,” he stated. The top cop also highlighted targeted responses to specific crime patterns, including robberies at Chinese-owned businesses. He said police have since strengthened patrol strategies and integrated these establishments into broader security planning.
“We have dissected the Chinese establishments in all the regions… and that should stem the robbery,” he explained. Beyond enforcement, Hicken underscored the importance of public cooperation, describing community involvement as critical to crime prevention. “If you see something, say something, because sometimes one piece of information is the difference between risk and resolution,” he urged.
To strengthen ties with citizens, the Force has expanded its Community Relations Department and decentralised operations to ensure greater presence within communities. Additional initiatives, including sports outreach programmes led by a dedicated development officer, are also being rolled out to foster engagement, particularly among young people.
The Commissioner maintained that professionalism within the Force remains a priority, warning that ranks who act outside established policies will face criminal charges. “We’re not going to behave unprofessional… anybody outside of the standing orders and policy is going to be charged criminally before the court,” he said. Looking ahead, Hicken expressed confidence that ongoing measures could result in a 25 to 30 per cent reduction in serious crime within the coming months.