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Police adjusting strategies to deal with crime increase
– five killed in armed robberies within two weeks
The recent spike in violent criminal activity has forced the local police to adjust their strategies in a valiant attempt to curb the situation.
This was disclosed by Commissioner of Police (ag) Leroy Brumell at a press conference yesterday, at police headquarters. During the press conference, he tried to explain the force’s response to the country’s crime scenario.
The press conference came mere hours after the local media reported that the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had expressed alarm and the main opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had expressed horror over recent criminal activities that have left several persons dead.
Police Commissioner (ag) Leroy Brumell centre flanked by Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis (left) and Crime Chief Seelall Persaud (right) during yesterday’s press conference.
The Commissioner assured that the force has in place various strategies in the fight against crime and has been grappling with the situation to ensure the maintenance of public safety and security in keeping with its mandate.
“I met this morning (Wednesday) with the DCLE (Crime Chief) and Divisional Commanders and we have revisited and made adjustments to our strategies to effectively police the divisions,” Brumell told the media.
He however noted that while the force shares the concern being expressed, particularly by the business community, the overall crime situation is not at a level as the perception being outlined in sections of the media.
But his position does not reflect the harsh reality. Within the past two weeks the death toll for persons killed during armed robberies is a cause for concern.
The Commissioner himself disclosed, “There has been a total of 14 persons who were killed during armed robberies, which is of great concern to us. Within the past two weeks we have recorded six murders, five of which occurred during robberies.”
He however outlined some positive scenarios that go to the credit of the organization.
“For the year so far we have recovered 49 firearms that comprise 19 revolvers, 18 shotguns, 10 pistols, one sub-machine gun and one rifle.”
Significantly, while members of the business community are clamouring for permission to carry firearms, the police have reported that so far for the year they have recorded the loss of 20 licensed firearms either due to negligence or they were taken away during armed confrontations.
The Commissioner noted that the police force is doing its utmost to deal with the situation with the support of Community Policing Groups and other stakeholders, including private security concerns through an arrangement with the Guyana Association of Private Security Organizations (GAPSO).
But according to Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, this arrangement with the private security services needs to be modified.
“We previously had structured meetings with GAPSO, now there are ad hoc meetings; it is our desire to return to those structured meetings,” the Crime Chief said.
He explained that coming out of the structured meetings between the police and GAPSO, there were arrangements for collaboration on the frontline for both sides.
According to the Crime Chief under the Guyana Police Force strategic plan, partnership is one of the main priorities.
With this in mind the Guyana Police Force has assured that it will welcome any invitation to be part of the planned security seminar organised by the GCCI, to explain its position with regards to the fight against crime.
Commissioner Brumell took the opportunity yesterday to urge members of the business community to place greater focus on their own security arrangements, including the movement of cash.
He referred to the constantly used advice of moving away from too many cash transactions, since this is the main motivator for criminals.
“This would definitely impact on robberies and the violence associated with them,” Brumell said.
He also called on victims of crimes to cooperate with the police so that the perpetrators can be properly prosecuted.
According to the Commissioner, there are far too many instances when victims refuse to come forward to identify criminals despite systems put in place to instill confidence.
He even mentioned a recent case in which a victim refused to cooperate with the police because of the “professional approach” taken by ranks in the apprehension of criminal suspects.
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