Region 6 Police Commander promises to forge better relationship with communities

— says Police will take a more “hands-on approach”

Commander of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Senior Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan at a recent public meeting with residents of Number 52 Village, Berbice, Corentyne, assured them that the Police will forge a better relationship with the community.
As such, during the meeting, he called on residents to raise concerns about crime and to vent their frustration about issues that may be plaguing their community that members of the Police Force can handle.

“Do not be frustrated, you can speak with me directly so we can address all problems. Because you are the members of the public and you know what your issues and challenges are,” he stated.
Ramlakhan further explained that he has done much shifting and restructuring of the Berbice Division to ensure maximum output from all officers while noting that many officers became inefficient since they held the same post for many years.
As such, he related that he conducted transfers when he was named Commander back in August 2020.
“I have transferred almost all the Police in this region. Because I believe that being at one place for too long, you become complacent. We have close monitoring and evaluation of every rank so we can understand where their limitations are and we will correct it,“ he explained.
Moreover, he posited that in efforts to reduce crime in the region, Police officers will now have a more “hands-on approach”.
“We have a different team now, a team of investigators who are not just sitting at their desks, they are going out in the fields. We cannot eliminate crime, but we can certainly reduce it.”
He posited that residents will have more contact with officers and can observe them working closely with and within communities.
Additionally, the Commander also called on residents to actively support officers in the quest to address all matters and to assist them in maintaining public order. He noted that crime-fighting is not only the responsibility of the Police but as members of the community, they too can play a role.
“You, the members of the public also have a responsibility to keep a watchful eye. Speak with us. We cannot do it alone.” he explained.
Amongst complaints raised by residents were those of simple larceny. Residents noted that in most cases, car parts such as batteries and other household items are often stolen within the area.
In response, the Commander stated that “at this point in time, we have high Police presence in this region… We have also had at least two persons recently arrested, charged and convicted for several counts of simple larceny. A backlog of matters exists, which have not been properly disposed of long before we came to this division, but we are working vigorously to have those matters properly investigated, and the offenders brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, Commander Ramlakhan also told residents that they will see a change in traffic ranks’ disposition.
He noted that they will now be more professional and will only stop road users when there is a genuine issue.
Additionally, he disclosed that the region is slated to have oral driver’s licence tests administered.
The Commander added that he has observed that many farmers and youth are deprived of the opportunity to be licence holders due to their educational constraints. As such, oral exams will be administered to equip them with their licence.
He projected that this would also secure jobs for youth who are unemployed but good drivers.