Be proactive – Top Cop to Region 6 ranks

…as GPF continues to roll out 2022-2026 Strategic Plan

Police officers in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have been urged to shift their focus to proactive crime prevention, as part of a transformative approach outlined by Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken.
During a meeting held Friday at the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Commissioner Hicken and his Executive Leadership Team (ELT) emphasised the critical importance of preventing crime rather than solely reacting to it.

Deputy Commissioner Wendell Blanhum at the meeting, delivered a pointed message to the ranks, stating, “It’s always better to prevent a crime than to detect it.”
He encouraged officers to serve as vigilant guardians of their communities, ensuring justice is accessible to everyone.
“You are servants of the people. Justice should be for all,” Blanhum emphasised.
Commissioner Hicken reinforced this proactive vision, urging officers to leave the confines of the station and immerse themselves in the communities they serve.
“Police should not be staying at the stations no more,” he stressed. “No less than two police in the Enquiries Office; everybody else should be in the streets, in the communities talking and interacting with people.”
The Commissioner linked community partnerships to a significant reduction in serious crimes.

“With [community] partnerships, you should not have any robbery, you shouldn’t have any murder [and] you shouldn’t have any thieving,” he said, emphasising that close ties with the public are vital for effective policing.
The importance of personal and professional development also featured prominently during the meeting. Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram encouraged ranks to take full advantage of new opportunities within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to enhance their careers.
“Each and every person in this Force must develop themselves [academically, to advance in their career as policemen/women],” he said. He reminded officers that discipline is key to success and upward mobility in their roles.
Deputy Commissioner Simon McBean echoed similar sentiments, citing the integration of technology within the Force.

“Embrace and make full use of the personal development opportunities and the technological advancements ongoing within the Force,” he advised. “This will only make your policing lives easier.”
The Commissioner also issued clear directives to traffic and patrol ranks, emphasising the need for greater discipline and focus. He warned traffic ranks to desist from stopping individuals without wearing body cameras and instructed patrol ranks to redirect their attention to tackling guns and drugs, rather than engaging in traffic duties.
The meeting concluded on an inspiring note with the on-the-spot promotion of two ranks. Constable James and Lance Corporal Ward were elevated to the rank of Corporal in recognition of their exemplary service.
As Commissioner Hicken continues to roll out the Force’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, the focus remains on building a modern, proactive, and community-oriented police force.