The Canadian Justice Education Society (JES), in collaboration with key international partners, launched three detective training programmes at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Training Centre on Monday. The courses are geared to build and strengthen the justice system in Guyana.
Police have, over time, come in for scrutiny over their handling of evidence in some major cases, but it is hoped that this public distrust could be reduced, since police ranks, during the course of this week, will take the courses to improve their skills is such cases.
A section of the gathering at the launching of the detective training programmes
The United States Embassy has announced support for the Canadian initiative, which will see participants being trained in major case management; undergo an investigation course; and participate in another course in training the trainers for interviewing, note taking and reporting.
Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine upbraided both junior and senior ranks for being late at Monday’s event, using the occasion to highlight the need for discipline. He stressed that the public demands more professionalism from the Force.
“I know we have challenges with our organisational discipline, and it tells me that there are question marks over our personal discipline,” Ramnarine stated in referring to the lateness of course participants.
“(There are) opportunities that exist right now for us to quickly get into stride, mentally and otherwise, and appreciate that there is an increased demand for professionalism,” Ramnarine urged.
The acting police chief also stressed the need for integrity, accountability and competence. He also highlighted the important role that the police play in the criminal justice system, and moreover noted that course participants will have the opportunity to have practical exercises during the week-long training.
“Observation in the court room, visiting along with you at scenes of crimes…is the best way to get the maximum benefit and use from it [the training],” the acting Police Commissioner stressed.
Fifty ranks will benefit from the training, which is being held through a collaborative effort between JES and the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This is part of the ‘Strengthening the Criminal Justice in Guyana’ project.
Retired senior Canadian police ranks Victor Adam and James Hardy are among the course trainers. They have years of experience in managing major cases.
