The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recently bolstered its crime-solving capabilities with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art crime scene vehicle.
This cutting-edge addition signifies a significant advancement in their efforts to enhance public safety and expedite investigations. The vehicle handover ceremony took place at the Tactical Services Unit, Drill Square, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary on Tuesday.
Before obtaining the modern vehicle, the GPF encountered substantial challenges in processing crime scenes efficiently as transporting delicate forensic equipment, such as blood and DNA samples, and setting up necessary facilities for evidence collection posed considerable difficulties.
The vehicle that was acquired by the Guyana Police Force
This hindered their ability to conduct thorough investigations promptly, often resulting in delays and incomplete data collection, the GPF said.
However, the introduction of the new crime scene vehicle is expected to effectively address these limitations. Equipped with cool storage units, first aid kits, wash sinks, computer workstations, secure lockers, power outlets, solar lighting systems, and tent facilities, the vehicle facilitates comprehensive on-site forensic analysis.
This will enable the force to establish fully functional mobile labs at crime scenes, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities.
With this advanced capability, the Guyana Police Force said they can now respond to crime scenes with greater speed and accuracy, ensuring that crucial evidence is properly documented and preserved.
“This not only improves the efficiency of crime-solving efforts but also increases the chances of gathering crucial evidence that might otherwise have been overlooked or compromised during transportation”, the Force stated
The ceremony was attended by Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner ‘Of Operations’ Ravindradat Budhram, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, various stakeholders, several regional commanders, and other senior and junior officers.
Just a few months ago, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that the police force would be improving its crime-fighting efforts. As such, he said soon the Force will be outfitted with a surveillance chopper. The President explained that the chopper would be utilised to conduct aerial surveillance of the country.
Last year, Hicken during the Force’s 184th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, had announced that the organisation was moving to establish an air wing in order to enhance its capacity.
At the time, he had explained that the air wing will either be established in conjunction with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) or separately.
Moreover, he revealed that two pilots attached to the police force were sent for advanced training in Miami, USA. Aeronautical engineers were also being trained to complement the pilots for the Force’s air wing.
The GPF is also in the process of developing its marine division. President Ali revealed that landing docks would be established throughout the Demerara River along the East Coast and East Bank.
Meanwhile, in January, at the sod-turning ceremony for the new US$28 million 12-storey Police Headquarters at Brickdam, Georgetown, President Ali had announced plans to enhance the GPF’s defence capabilities, noting that “we’re building out for the first time a marine division that would be capable of utilising our river assets in crime positioning, crime fighting and proactive intelligence work. So, right now, we are in the process of acquiring state-of-the-art marine assets to support the work of the Guyana Police Force”.
During his presentation of the 2024 Budget, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh had revealed that a total of $1 billion has been proposed to be expended this year to expand the Police Force’s land and water fleet.
He said this would include the purchase of additional vehicles, boats, and engines.
Last year, $900 million was expended to advance procurement of additional motorcycles, pick-ups, boats, motor cars, and trucks for the GPF.
In totality, $30.3 billion was allotted to the Police Force in Budget 2024.
