Top Cop warns cops against misconduct, criminal activities

…ranks urged to pursue higher education programmes

With more than 20 police ranks currently before the courts on criminal charges, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken has issued a stern warning against engaging in criminal activity or inappropriate behaviour. Referring to the number of officers already before the courts, Commissioner Hicken said this should serve as a warning to others, noting that stricter accountability measures will be enforced in the coming year. “Maintain the posture that we give to you. We have about 25 people before the court already. We don’t want to add more to it. And so next year, it will be strict accountability. In fact, quarterly monitoring and evaluation commenced this last quarter and next year it’s going to be more serious,” he said.

He cautioned officers against operating without oversight, stressing that increased monitoring will be enforced across regions. “Don’t think that you’re in a region and you’re doing your own thing. You might just see a message coming through for you to report to headquarters for development, meaning you are not on par,” the commissioner added. Addressing concerns about the reputation of the Force, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken urged ranks to conduct themselves responsibly, particularly during the festive season. He cautioned officers against engaging in any behaviour that could tarnish the image or performance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), reminding them to priorities their safety and professionalism. The commissioner also encouraged officers to make responsible choices when socialising, advising them to arrange designated drivers when going out and to always uphold the standards expected of police officers, both on and off duty. “We’re in the festive season. Please do not do anything to tarnish our performance. Please do not do anything to tarnish the reputation of the organisation. When you leave here, go home safely. If you’re going out with friends, get a driver. Ensure you do the right thing as policemen and women,” he urged.
Amidst this he also extended Christmas greetings on behalf of himself and his family, as well as other officers who were unable to attend the event.

Higher education
Meanwhile, Commissioner Hicken encouraged ranks to further their education, noting that officers without basic certificates in Mathematics and English are being given the opportunity to enrol in free classes offered by the Government.
“I think that initiative was good for us. Coming out of it, you would have heard about promotions in a division, but over 3,000 persons were promoted across the entire Police Force,” he noted. He further explained that constables and sergeants who have not yet obtained passes in Mathematics and English at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level are being encouraged to enrol.
“We decided, following a meeting with His Excellency, that constables to sergeants without CXC should make contact with Mr Budram. They will be sent to the HSPU to sign up, and this will be done free of cost,” he said. He took the opportunity to also remind ranks that the Government had extended the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme to members of the Police Force.
He also highlighted that the University of Guyana (UG) is offering free programmes, noting that several officers are currently pursuing law degrees. “Within the next 10 years, we are going to be flooded with lawyers, which will significantly enhance the performance of the Police Force,” he said. President Dr Irfaan Ali has previously stated that all officers within the GPF must possess at least CSEC passes in Mathematics and English. The need for a better-educated police force was also emphasised by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond during her address to the gathering. “Education is a national security investment and a non-negotiable requirement for a modern police service. Every rank must secure passes in Mathematics and English within the next three years, and every rank must be registered on the Guyana Digital School platform. This is a tremendous opportunity, and I urge you to take hold of your future so that you are equipped to better serve the men and women of Guyana,” Walrond said.