“You are an integral part of the catalyst for change group” – Top Cop tells HoD

– to submit “needs analysis” by Friday

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken on Thursday met with all Heads of Departments (HoD) and Branch Commanders, during which he outlined his strategic vision for the Force and the direction in which he wants to see this noble organisation move.
“As of today, you are part of the ‘catalyst for change group’. You are fortunate to be managing critical departments in the Guyana Police Force. Hence, you have to improve your output by paying more attention to the management of resources within your span of control,” Hicken told the senior ranks.

He said rotation builds capacity in an organization, and noted that underperformance would not be condoned. As such, a renewed vision is paramount if the Force is to achieve its mandate, he said.
“I am confident that you can do much more… and I will create an environment for us to achieve that,” Hicken added.
In addition, he warned that the ‘laissez-faire’ approach that obtains is not considered a suitable leadership style, due to the nature of the organisation. As such, this approach would be changed immediately.

‘Leader’, and not a ‘boss’
“I have spoken to you one-on- one, and I have given some of you an opportunity to correct your mistakes. I am a gentleman and a leader, not a boss. It is my belief that cohesiveness and professionalism will help us to sustain existing structures that foster development in a holistic way,” he declared.
“My focus for the Force is to improve professionalism, service to members of the public, mitigate crime and disorder, increase seizure of drugs and guns, and create safe communities,” the acting Top Cop declared.
Notwithstanding that, he alluded to the fact that it is important for members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to have a hands-on approach, and to provide guidance for the heads of departments.

He praised the department heads for their contributions, but encouraged them to adapt to change to satisfy the demands as mandated in an effort to improve service to the public.

Sport
Hicken explained that sport is a vehicle that can change the outlook of the GPF. “If we want to bridge the gap with alacrity, then it has to be done through sports, to support the current initiatives,” the Top Cop said.
He noted that the Force is currently in the process of employing a Sports Development Officer, and
urged the heads of the respective sports departments to sit with the Strategic Planning Unit and derive a concept to have sports representatives decentralized in each region in a structured way, and they must be part of the outreach arrangements aimed at developing youths.
Further, Hicken told heads of departments that they must inculcate moral attitudes that can take the Force forward in a positive way.
However, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag.) Calvin Brutus, in his remarks, spoke of the many training and scholarship opportunities that members of the Force would benefit from, with many already benefiting from a number of training programmes.
He also touched on the strategic plan, and the need for all heads of departments to submit a ‘needs analysis’ for their respective departments by next Friday.
The Deputy Commissioner also spoke on several administrative issues and initiatives, including the possibility of the Force opening an Air Wing to meet contemporary challenges.
Also, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag.) Ravindradat Budhram, addressed the heads of departments and shared similar sentiments as expressed by Hicken and Brutus in terms of the strategic vision that is in place for the Force.
As Head of Operations, Budhram said, he would be having regular interactions with the department heads as the leadership team moves the Force forward.
Meanwhile, Head of the Presidential Guard, Assistant Commissioner Edgar Thomas, has said he believes the vision and the new direction in which the Guyana Police Force is heading is much needed.
He reminded those present to take pride in the fact that, under the direction of Hicken, they are in a position to play an integral part in transforming the image of the Force in a positive way, and to be a part of the catalyst for change and transformation that are so needed in the Force at this time.