“You are not enemies with civil society” – Top Cop to Police ranks
As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) celebrates its 183rd anniversary, acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken reminded his ranks that civil society is not their enemy, but rather their friends.
At the time the Top Cop made this comment, he was outlining his vision for the Guyana Police Force.
“Collective we are prepared to serve, but we must know that professionalism is paramount and so this is an opportune time for me to remind you that as we go forward, we are going to see changes internally in the GPF in terms of rotation. You are going to see changes in the way we work, and based on our guide coming out of our strategic pillars,” he highlighted.
Ranks of the Guyana Police Force on Sunday morning at the 183rd Anniversary Route March (GPF photo)
Hicken further posited that in order to foster a better relationship with the public, the Force will be focusing heavily on group development through the community relations department.
He also charged the ranks to adapt to the changes and challenges as the country goes through development.
“There’s a rich foundation in which we develop over the years, it’s imperative for you to maintain the discipline that you displayed this morning in the form of competition among each other,” he told the participants.
In addition, he reminded the ranks that their approach is critical when dealing with members of the public.
After taking office in March this year, Hicken has been doing several community outreaches with the aim of fostering a better relationship with the public. This is in keeping with the Force’s five-point strategic plan, one of which focuses heavily on building partnerships with communities and civil society to create safer environments countrywide.
His most recent visit was in the West Berbice community of Ithaca, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) where he met with a number of young people.
While addressing the crowd, he told the residents that the Police Force is currently undergoing a transition to being a more modernised and service-oriented organisation to meet the needs and overcome the challenges of contemporary policing. (G9)
