Crime down: CID records 122 murders, 78 illegal guns seized for 2022

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force has recorded 122 murders so far this year, the third lowest in a 10-year period. In addition, 78 illegal firearms were taken off the streets.

Head of CID, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, noted that this was achieved due to the use of technology to investigate and solve crimes.

As the CID is recording an overall reduction in serious crimes, several ranks from the department were awarded for their hard work and sacrifice for this year.

Crime Chief Assistant Commissioner Wendell Blanhum during remarks at the awards ceremony on Tuesday spoke about the importance of CID and its 14 decentralised units in crime fighting.

“We did well this year and we will go forward into the new year to achieve greater results.

“…our detection or clear up rate for murder is at an all-time high – that is 80. 3 per cent,” Blanhum revealed.

The Crime Chief noted that during the year, all the specialised units collaborated and provided support to all 12 regional police divisions.

“These 14 specialised units are responsible, inter alia, for the maintenance of the current the crime statistics, the investigation of serious and complicated cases of murder, investigation of cybercrime offences, trafficking in persons, fraud offences, narcotics [and] juvenile offences,” Blanhum stated.

The Guyana Police Force is also recording an overall 19 per cent decrease in serious crimes for 2022.

Over a 10-year period, the lowest rate of break and enter and larceny was recorded this year, numbering 467; the highest being in 2013 with 1, 692.

This year, the CID is reported the third highest cocaine seizure in a five-year period – 494 kg – and the highest ganja seizure this year – 789 kg.

Crime Chief Blanhum said the focus for 2023 would be greater emphasis on technology, training, recruitment and partnership to identify and disrupt criminal groups.

Sergeant Kester Cosbert from Major Crime Investigation Unit is this year’s best cop while Woman Corporal Marlyn Rodney is the runner-up best cop for CID; she is stationed at the Trafficking in Person Unit.

Special Awards were also handed out to Police Legal Advisors Mandell Moore and Delon Fraser, Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh and Department of Public Prosecutor Shalimar Ali-Hack.