Thorough police work needed to secure convictions – Rohee

Police need to be more thorough in their investigative work in order to secure more convictions, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee said as he met residents of Annandale, East Coast Demerara recently.

The visit was part of the ministry’s Community Policing Group (CPG) outreach programme aimed at improving relations among residents, members of their CPG and the police force. The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that Rohee said criminal gangs ought to be dismantled and therefore the police need to be more thorough in their investigations so as to secure convictions when matters are placed before the courts.

“It is therefore important that we consistently and continuously work so as to achieve our desired results for a safer Guyana for all. We therefore have to be strong and have the will. Further, the community and those outside of [the] law enforcement body have to be strong, as persons may try to dissuade you from giving information to enforcement personnel,” he was quoted as saying.

Rohee urged persons to report pertinent information to the police. He said information is critical and persons who have pertinent information should find someone trustworthy and disseminate any information in a timely manner so that law enforcement bodies can effectively act. In this regard, he pointed to the massive drug find in the Mazaruni River which was successful because an alert resident or residents noticed strange men traversing the river and reported it to the police.

Meantime, GINA reported that the residents raised issues of noise nuisance, school children bus riding and police not giving their best effort in fighting crime in the area. A refresher course was recommended, GINA said.

Commander of Police ‘C’ Division, Gavin Primo, who was part of Rohee’s team, stated that police are ready to stage a refresher course with CPG members and also retrain persons who are firearm holders.

He also advised residents to give statements with regard to noise nuisance matters so that perpetrators can be prosecuted.