“You need to be leaders” – Commander Hicken tells new recruits

Commander Clifton Hicken has charged the 133 recruits who graduated on Friday as new members of the Guyana Police Force to be leaders, not only in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), but in Guyana.
Under the training theme “Forging ahead with professionalism and intelligence-led policing in collaboration with stakeholders”, the trainees all endured vigorous training exercises.
The new officers were trained in five different recruit courses which consisted of academics, practical and extra-curricular components which will enable them to serve to the best of their abilities.
The training exercise which lasted for a five-month period was one that was both fulfilling and “challenging”, according to Hicken, who reminded the recruits “the challenges have now begun, you will not meet with smooth sailing”.
The Commander in his address at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary, on Friday, reminded the new recruits to put the training received into practice.
“You need to take all that you would’ve learnt in the training school and put them into practice. Learn the laws of the country, read the standing orders, read the policies, especially the different acts and make decisions that are in keeping with the Guyana Police Force,” the Commander charged.
Hicken congratulated the successful trainees and further urged them to become friends with the citizens of Guyana.
“Take off your armour so that members of the public will feel inclined to interact with you. You are the peacemakers, you are to solve problems, get into communities, interact with the people, identify problems before it escalates, so that the people will see that you are their friends and not their enemies,” the Commander explained.
The recruits were reminded that the expectation of them is higher than before, and as such, they need to exhibit professional behaviours at all times.
“Expectations are higher than before especially since the implementation of the new 911. The people expect that responses to calls will now be swift so you need to ensure that you maintain a professional relationship with the public. In the absence of a leader, new leaders emerge, you all need to be leaders,” Hicken said.
Following the Commander’s remarks, special awards were handed out to the best student, runner-up and most improved student of the five courses.