Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken told Sergeants of the Guyana Police Force to stop bullying and harassing the public as he charged the ranks to help change the negative image and perception that members of the public have of the Force.
“We need to stop harassing and bullying members of the public, we need to desist from these random and unnecessary traffic stops and searches, we must regain the public’s trust and confidence and we must do everything in our power to rebuild and improve the image of the Force,” the Top Cop said while addressing the ranks at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
Hicken made it clear that there will be absolutely “no compromise” when it comes to professionalism and integrity of all members of the Force.
His message was centred on professionalism, integrity, accountability, service, protection, and police-community relations.
The Top Cop revealed that ‘stop and searches’ will now be done with constant communication with the Operations Room and must be done in keeping with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“Before, during and after the search, constant communication must be done with the Operations Room…this posture is to provide guidance to the patrols,” Hicken stated.
Traffic posture will see traffic ranks being strategically placed along the corridors and thoroughfare with minimal stops for production of documents unless it is supervised by an Inspector or Officer.
Commissioner Hicken also issued a stern warning that non-compliance or non-adherence to any of the issues he touches on will see ranks being disciplined.
The Top Cop also told ranks that they must be willing to adapt to changes during “rotation”. He revealed that the ranks will be rotated more regularly to different divisions. This he explained will develop capacity.
Hicken also spoke of the importance of the Community Policing Groups (CPGs).
“It is important for Sergeants to understand the activities within their span of control to adequately deploy ranks. Focus, however, should be on identifying hotspots, black spots, commercial and other activities hence the importance of Community Policing Groups,” he posited.
“Recognition will be based on performance. As Sergeants you are the beneficiaries of change and within the next four or five years, some of you are going to be up here as Officers. Be the change you would like to see,” Hicken said.
He further stated that the promotion of ranks will be done in a transparent manner and guided by the Strategic Planning Unit, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and the Risk Management Unit.
Conduciveness at stations must be encouraged and maintained as far as practicable as outlined in the Police Force’s Standing Order.
Infrastructure development is taking place across the twelve divisions of the Force with a view to create a conducive atmosphere and to build police morale.
“Like I said, we’re not going to tell you things that we can’t do. We will be leading from the front and within the next year-and-a-half, we’re going to rebuild all the Headquarters and all the police stations will be spruced up. This is going to create an environment that is conducive to increasing your performance and building morale in the Force,” the Top Cop declared.
