Community policing groups (CPGs) are embarking on a number of initiatives this year aimed at curbing crime and fostering the spirit of volunteerism, CPG Coordinator Dennis Pompey said in his address at the recently held march past and rally to mark the 38th anniversary.
Pompey said a number of youth clubs aimed at stemming crime will be started in communities, for which an allocation will be made in the 2014 National Budget. He also touched on a number of other achievements the groups made over the past year; including the partnership between the Home Affairs ministry and the Guyana Police Force to revise the CPG constitution, according to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Police divisions were split into smaller CPG divisions to ensure better control, and to reduce the financial cost attached to divisional executives moving around. This was done following consultations with the groups in the divisions, the community policing executives and the police.
“By doing this we also realised we could have more leadership, which is important for further development of community policing,” Pompey said. The new divisions are A Division – A1 (Georgetown) and A2 (East Bank Demerara), B Division – B1 (West Coast Berbice), B2 (Lower Corentyne) and B3 (Upper Corentyne), C Division – C1 (Unity to Good Hope), C2 (Good Hope to Conversation Tree) and C3 (Unity to Abary), D Division – D1(West Coast Demerara) and D 2 (West Bank Demerara) F Division – F1 (Bartica) and F2 (Lethem).
Pompey also told the gathering that government will continue to provide funds for the procurement of stores, vehicles, uniforms and other equipment for CPG members.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Community Policing Executive Omesh Satyanand commended the spirit of volunteerism among the members, calling it a show of total commitment. He reminded them about the core objectives of community policing which are to develop a neighbourhood consciousness of the need for mutual cooperation and mutual understanding of law and order; assist the police as far as possible in the suppression and detection of crime thus making communities safer to live; increase understanding and appreciation of the role of the police; provide residents with a local outpost away from the police station to help residents deal with common social problems; develop a closer inter-group relationship with residents and to develop an awareness to improve neighbourhoods.
Chairman of the Bartica Interim Management Committee (IMC), Ovid Benjamin said the fact that community policing as a system has amassed 38 years in Guyana reflects the commitment members have shown to the organisation. Courtney Ramsey, Commander of ‘F’ Division, expressed similar sentiments.
“As divisional commander, I am pleased with the groups in F’ Division. Community policing is a part of the architecture of public safety and security,” he said. According to Ramsey, police, with its manpower shortage and highly demanding role cannot ensure the public safety alone. He recognised the need for greater community support and involvement and CPGs have assisted greatly in this regard.
CPG members from the various police divisions across the country travelled to Bartica, Region Seven for a massive march past and rally held on Saturday as part of the roster of anniversary activities. This year’s march past, an annual feature of the anniversary programme, was held under the theme, ‘Safeguarding communities through strengthened community politicising leadership.’ CPG members marched from the Bartica Ferry Stelling and convened at the Community Centre Ground.
‘A’ Division 1 won the first place in the march past, with judging based on the dress, salute, size of contingent and banner. ‘A’ Division 2 came second, followed by ‘D’ Division in third place and ‘C’ 1 and ‘F’ divisions tied in fourth place.
Currently, there are 266 active CPGs across the country with a total membership of 4424. The system of community policing was established in 1976 under the late police commissioner, Henry Fraser with the objective to harness the energies of willing members of communities across Guyana, in support of the work of the Police. The mandate was later expanded to include youth development, health consciousness, road safety, environmental enhancement, and other community related activities.
