Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has urged East Berbice policing groups (CPGs) to familiarize themselves with anti-crime laws that were recently passed in the National Assembly and to work along with police in the respective divisions.

The minister also warned them against becoming complacent in the face of reduced crime in their communities, in his address at the ‘B’ Division CPG meeting held on Monday at the ‘Lions Den’, Hampshire, Corentyne. Rohee also told the group that they must lead by example as they work along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure that law and order is maintained, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said.

According to GINA the minister said despite disagreements community policing has grown from strength to strength since it started 33 years ago. He said $65M had been allocated to CPGs last year for equipment and $25M has been budgeted this year for them.

The minister reminded the groups that the resources are to aid in the fight against crime and as such accountability is paramount. He also told the meeting that the GPF will continue to train members of the CPGs who are interested in becoming rural constables.

Rohee also said the ministry is grateful for the CPGs service to their communities. However, he cautioned them to “develop and maintain a healthy relationship with the police in the Division, to operate within the confines of the law, to ensure members are trained and that the training is conducted by the Police and to inform the police when and where patrols are being conducted to avoid confrontations.” He also cautioned them against adopting a “members only club” mentality and to open up their membership to persons desirous of serving.

Additionally, Rohee said the ministry will be proposing new regulations which when adopted by the CPG parent body, the Community Policing Organisation of Guyana, will ensure more inclusiveness and transparency in the electoral process in groups thereby encouraging a wider membership in communities.