The US Embassy here yesterday launched a project to strengthen the training of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to enable it to improve its response to vulnerable populations.
A brief statement from the US Embassy said that the project will be implemented by the Pan Ameri-can Development Foundation (PADF)
A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs identified the marginalised and vulnerable populations as at-risk youth, victims of gender-based violence, migrants, and others.
The ministry statement said that the project will evaluate standards and procedures for de-escalation tactics, as well as improve officer encounters through modernised de-escalation procedures and training. The training will also see the adoption of tailored police responses to vulnerable populations.
Three main components will be pursued. First, the GPF’s curriculum and current training and standing orders specifically for vulnerable populations will be reviewed where they exist. This will be done to analyse standards and procedures regarding the police response to violent and non-violent crimes, de-escalation tactics, and community policing, specifically when in contact with vulnerable populations.
Second, the project will develop in-person and virtual training modules based on international best practices consequent to the findings from the initial assessment.
Third, the project will conduct training for members of the GPF and recommend pathways for the force to incorporate and implement these best practice modules into the Police Academy teaching in the long term.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; Political Officer/Inter-national Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Coordinator, Howard Chung; PADF representative, Faisal Hassan; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas; Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Calvin Brutus; Force Training Officer and Deputy Super-intendent Kevin London, along with several others were in attendance.
