Local Police in partnership with NYPD to boost crime fighting, response

Guyana’s premier law enforcement agency, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is looking to fill the gaps in its response to crime. So, to enhance its capacity, the force on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New York Police Department (NYPD) which will make way for the training of officers from both agencies.

The agreement was signed at the Eve Leary, Georgetown Headquarters of the GPF by US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot; First Deputy Commission of NYPD, Tania Kinsella, Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag) Calvin Brutus and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn.

Through the new training partnership, shared security challenges will be addressed and a more inclusive, transparent and efficient criminal justice system will be built.

The challenges posed when confronting reports of murders, gender-based violence and illicit trafficking will also be addressed.

In his remarks, Benn said this is an indication of the “significant” transformation that is expected of the GPF.

“Our challenges of law enforcement, of fighting crime have reached newer and higher levels. Our experiences and expertise are still behind at the level we need to be to deal with these challenges,” Benn said.

Noting that the policing is an “invidious” task, Benn believes with better policing comes a better society for people to live in.

During this week, First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella, who is leading the delegation to Guyana, will engage key government officials and civil society stakeholders to ensure the program is tailored in a strategic and holistic manner.

This will be followed by the development of a curriculum in the coming months to enhance the adoption of law enforcement training best practices and community police responses.

According to First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella, the NYPD is excited to share experiences and best practices with the GPF.

‘Together we are going to enhance the capability of the Guyana Police Force.

“We want to help them (GPF) tackle challenges in the communities and make Guyana safer,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Theriot said the partnership will support the GPF’s strategic partnership.

“It will foster a more inclusive criminal justice syste, and it will further attract international investment as Guyana rapidly grows, transform and diversifies its economy,” she said.

The NYPD will return to Guyana in a few months to commence the training program after which a group of local police officers will travel to New York later this year to participate in a practical study tour at the NYPD’s training facility.