Police must play influential role in communities – Top Cop

…as 297 junior cops promoted

The Guyana Police Force has announced the promotion of 297 junior ranks. These include 86 officers promoted to the rank of Sergeant, 116 ranks to Corporal and 41 ranks to Lance Corporal. Ten ranks were elevated to Special Sergeant, 23 to Special Corporal and 19 ranks to Special Lance Corporal. Additionally, one Rural Constable was promoted to Rural Sergeant. These junior rank promotions were made by Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie. In his New Year message,

Commissioner Hoppie noted that the end of 2020 signals the end of a period where members of the law enforcement community were faced with allegations of robbery, manslaughter, assault, and corruption. “Indeed, the issues that arose were all of grave concern which caused us to focus on the modus operandi and standard operational procedures we have in place. We have modified some SOPs and have created new ones where necessary, and we are also in the process of updating our Standing Orders. Suffice it to say that we are ready to face whatever challenges confront us in 2021, as we consolidate on the gains of 2020,” he noted.
According to the Top Cop, amidst the negatives of last year, some positives were recorded such as confronting challenges of the criminal community which has resulted in a 6.8 per cent decrease in serious crimes. He also mentioned the Force’s significant role during the March 2020 elections and the subsequent transition of governments, as well as in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notwithstanding this, however, Commissioner Hoppie charged that 2021 must see greater involvement in community work, community outreach and community involvement with emphasis on moulding youths in keeping with the Force’s thrust to build public confidence.
“We must be seen as playing an influential role in the communities,” he posited. In congratulating the newly promoted ranks, the Police Commissioner urged them to see this as a greater step towards higher heights within the Force. Meanwhile, he encouraged those who were not promoted to continue to work hard so that they too can reap rewards. The Top Cop also thanked members of the Community Policing Groups for their support throughout 2020 and urged that they maintain the quality of their work with the highest level of professionalism, trust and integrity. The promotion of these junior police ranks comes at a time when the senior cop’s promotion, which is done by the Police Service Commission, is being challenged in the court.