Guyana Police Force – Serving and protecting for the festive season

Nov 17, 2010 News

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By Michael Benjamin

As the Christmas season commences, Guyanese of all walks of life are beginning to gravitate to the capital city in search of the usual bargains that could be had around this time of the year.  The itinerant vendors are visible features around Regent Street, Water Street, around the Stabroek Market and other areas, all competing for the limited consumer dollar.
Even as these shoppers hunt down the bargains, they must be wary of the shoplifters, pickpockets, trunkers and other categories of lawbreakers that prey upon the unsuspecting shopper, transforming this joyous season into one of gloom.
Shoppers nurturing apprehension about their safety are assured that they can conduct their business and leave the security aspect to the Police.
This much was relayed to this writer by a senior police officer who requested anonymity.
“The police are on the alert and lawbreakers would do well to curb their activities otherwise they will be drinking sour ginger beer for the season,” he quipped.
The officer informed that more than one hundred ranks from several units are patrolling Georgetown and its environs with the aim of retaining peace and tranquility and to rid the street of lawbreakers.
Indeed, this reporter noted an increase in members of the nation’s chief security organization. Coupled with this is the installation of several outposts placed at strategic points around the city. The officer pointed out that ranks are drawn from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mounted Branch, the canine section, as well as armed patrols.
“We need to send the message out to criminal-minded persons that we are serious about fulfilling our mandate even as we assuage the fears of the public that we have the situation under control.”
Quizzed on the most prevalent types of criminal activity the officer replied, “Over the years we have observed that larceny from the person is one of the most troubling areas and we are on the lookout for those characters noted for this genre of crime.”
But do these characters walk around with an advertisement on their backs? How can the police close marshal those devoid of those telltale signs?
“We have a fair idea of the criminals and their preferences,” the officer intimated. Added to this he pointed out that man is a creature of habit and is wont to specialize in a certain genre of crime. “Some of these criminals practice their art in a specified field. They become so skilled in their area of choice that they gravitate to that area. After we would have made an arrest we compile the data that assists in future investigations.”
The Police Force has come in for more than its fair share of criticisms; citizens have also accused some officers of accepting bribes and turning their faces while criminals conduct nefarious activities. Once again this troublesome issue has risen to the fore.
“Admittedly, there might be officers that become embroiled in such activities but the hierarchy of the Force has devised mechanisms to minimize such occurrences,” the officer assured. He said that the junior ranks that patrol the streets are under the purview of senior ranks like corporals and sergeants, and those ranks are further under the purview of higher ranks.
“We have devised a system that ensures that there are checks and balances, and in the end the security of the public is of paramount importance.”
The officer also said that the work of the officers is not only restricted to arrests. He said that with the influx of tourists, members of the Guyana Police Force are also obligated to provide other community services.
“You will also notice our officers assisting the elderly in crossing the streets, providing assistance for youngsters crossing the streets as well as being guides to the many tourists that visit our country around this time of the year.”
Indeed, this reporter witnessed several cases of the police attending to their job. A little boy of around six years old was found wandering along Regent Street.
Unaware of the dangers around him the tot covered his eyes and was walking in circles at the junction of Alexander and Regent Streets.
A taxi driver unwittingly grazed him and he sustained a bruise on his forehead. In less than two minutes two police officers were on the scene assisting and making copious notes in their notepads. Within the hour the officers, through clever work managed to locate the child’s parent.
“It’s all a part of police work,” one of the officers declared when a passerby complimented them on their good job.
Another man who told the police that he was an officer yet could not back up his statement with the relevant documents was asked to sit in one of the makeshift outposts until a vehicle arrived to transport him to Brickdam Police Station.
They are everywhere but only the uniformed officers, conspicuous with revolvers strapped to their waists or MP5s slung around their shoulders, are immediately recognised.
Look around you; the unshaven character just metres away might appear to be criminal minded. Yes, you have every right to be wary and circumspect but be careful, you may just be looking at one of the persons charged with the responsibility of serving and protecting you during the Christmas season.

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