Following its annual conference, the Guyana Police Force says it will aggressively pursue the reduction of illegal firearms and apprehension of wanted persons among other things high on its agenda.
After three days of deliberating on a range of issues at the annual Police Officer’s Conference members of the force have resolved to step up efforts to reduce the number of illegal firearms in the country, pursue wanted persons and conduct targeted patrols to reduce crime. The large number of crimes committed with firearms has been a major worry for the public for many years now.
In a statement issued on Saturday the force said it is also focused on improving its response and building public confidence.
In addition, the conference has endorsed the initiative between the force and the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Service in realising an emergency short messaging service [E-SMS] to ease the present difficulties with the 911 system. The messaging service will become operational from March 1, 2007.
During the conference which was held under the theme, “Enhancing Community Safety and Security through Partnership, Professionalism and Reform” members of the force addressed concerns in many areas including traffic, domestic violence and Cricket World Cup.
The force plans to adopt strategies and implement tactics to ensure that the events for the world cup are concluded in a peaceful and orderly environment. Among the other things addressed for CWC were security for teams, officials, media, sponsors and the ongoing training for ranks to facilitate their roles.
In the area of traffic the force is hoping to complete all aspects of reform by the end of this year. Among the areas being targeted are the ticketing system; review of the learner/driver programme; reintroduction of day and night eye tests for drivers.
In relation to domestic violence, discussions were held over the provision in the reform package for facilities to be installed at stations to address the care and collections of evidence and affording privacy and confidentiality in such cases. Additionally ranks will continue to receive training to better handle domestic violence cases.
“The conference accepted with great honour the pronouncement by His Excel-lency Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo of his support of and confidence in the Commissioner of Police (ag). Mr. Henry Greene, DSM and notes his statement that society owed the Joint Services `a debt of gratitude'”, the statement said.
The conference which saw the participation of some 139 officers concluded on Saturday evening with the traditional Mess Dinner at the Police Officer’s Mess, Eve Leary.
