Dear Editor,
The Guyana Police Force has now inaugurated a programme by which the divisions around the country are having consultations with the various sectors of the society within their jurisdiction to form “partnerships” which they feel would lead to the development of a mutual effort in the execution of their functions.
I personally am very enthused about this innovative and refreshing approach by this essential service, which can only result in better relations with members of the public, and which has an immense potential to reduce crime in all its forms and achieve peace and understanding between the communities in the various areas.
At the meeting I attended in my division, the Commander listened patiently to all the contributions of the participants, which included the complaints which we usually have against the behaviour of police officers, and we came away with some satisfaction that we are at last on the way to effectively ridding ourselves of the constraints which members of the public have against developing a collaborative relationship with the police.
As everyone knows, I am especially concerned with youth education, and I offered some suggestions about how our police can connect with our young people, and even get them to cooperate in their functions, as well as help them to lead lawful lives and assist in some effort to do the same for others.
I therefore would like to encourage those who may have some reservations about this bold and worthwhile initiative to contribute fully when the programme is instituted in their area. Let us together take the outstretched hand that we have previously seen as an iron fist, and realise that it is now covered with a velvet glove, which can only serve to smooth the path to a peaceful and productive society.
Yours faithfully,
Roy Paul
