Dear Editor,
The recent criminal events have forced me to take a critical look at the failure of our police force to attract new recruits and new skills to the organisation.The frequent comment that there is need for ethnic balance in the police force also shows a sign of desperation as solutions to the problem are being sought.
We must look at the history and culture of the Guyanese people. The Indians as I recalled from my childhood days were never attracted to the security forces working for a monthly salary for this restricted their personal growth and economic development. In fact they were more interested in developing entreprenurial skills and business ventures. The friends I grew up with worked in the rice industry on their family lands or did other forms of agriculture. Those who did not were involved in some form of small business venture or learned a trade or some form of technical skill. This is how they were and are being socialised and I see nothing wrong with it.
As for the salary being paid to policemen , this is one of the major reasons why some people are not joining the force. If the government is serious then they would pay a more attractive and realistic salary to policemen. In fact they should pay policemen what they are worth to our society instead of the chump change they now receive. To remove temptations we must fulfil the financial needs of our police officers. They should not be seen in the society and by the society as a set of poorly rewarded cops struggling to make a living . When this happens the society loses respect for them.
Secondly there is now a culture in the police force that only the existing senior police officers can ascend to senior administrative positions. This needs to change because there are some officers who by their known personal and social conduct are a discredit to the organisation. A way should be found to retire such persons . A completely new administration is needed. New blood is needed get some of the senior GDF officers seconded to management positions within the police force. Government should not hesitate to recruit civilian administration to blend with the current administration if we want to see an improvement. Change the laws to accommodate this type of new management style.
In conclusion I must say that there is more need for greater decentralisation of the disciplined services. It is time that military companies be stationed at some of the police stations on the Essequibo Coast, Berbice, Linden and so on.
Yours faithfully,
Linden Jordan
