Top Cop tells senior officers to take a stand against persons who circulate false, damaging info about GPF

In a high-stakes performance group meeting on Friday, Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken delivered a powerful address to the top brass of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the Police Officers’ Annex in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The session was marked by Hicken’s forthright stance on the growing problem of misinformation spreading through social media.

He urged officers to take a stand against those who circulate false and damaging content about the force. “You have permission to pursue civil litigation against these individuals,” Hicken declared. “The GPF will provide the necessary assistance to its members to retain legal representation.”

Hicken’s message was clear and unwavering on another crucial front: unity within the force. “THERE SHOULD BE ‘NO DIVISION’ AMONG OFFICERS and RANKS OF THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE,” he stated with conviction, emphasizing the need for solidarity and professionalism.

As the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draws near, Hicken shifted focus to the security measures the force must adopt. He called for a community-centered approach to policing, stressing the importance of forging strong relationships with the public to enhance service delivery.

The Commissioner also touched on the significance of maintaining new infrastructure and the force’s aggressive crime-fighting strategies. He highlighted recent successes in seizing drugs, arms, and ammunition, and praised the ongoing inter-regional cooperation under the Partnership Pillar, which boosts the force’s effectiveness.

With an eye on the future, Hicken discussed the upcoming budget for 2025 and the progress of the GPF’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. He also announced the development of the 2027-2031 Strategic Plan, signaling a forward-thinking approach to the force’s long-term goals.

Concluding the meeting, Hicken reminded commanders of their duty to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with the Force’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He reinforced the necessity of upholding high standards in both appearance and conduct, underlining the core values of service, professionalism, and accountability. “Ethical standards and discipline must always be maintained, especially when interacting with the public. There will be no compromise on these values within this noble profession,” Hicken affirmed.