Reduction in serious crimes, road accidents – Hicken

Police Commissioner (ag.) Clifton Hicken on Thursday revealed that the Guyana Police Force in 2024 recorded reductions in serious crimes and road accidents. Hicken was speaking at the Force’s annual Christmas awards ceremony.

The Top Cop announced a 20 per cent decrease in fatal accidents and an overall 9 per cent decrease in accidents.

“This improvement is attributed to the successful implementation of a traffic management plan which included and introduced the traffic calming measures, enhanced public transportation campaigns and rigorous enforcement targeting impaired driving, using seatbelts and helmets,” he said.

He also noted that the Force also deployed plainclothes officers to address reckless road users. To further improve road safety in the country, Hicken said they are also collaborating with the entertainment sector.

Hicken also announced a 15.2 per cent reduction in serious crimes.

“This is a result of strategic data-driven policing initiatives, key activities include of 270 community policing, increase policing in crime hotspots, crime mapping and predictive policing,” Hicken explained.

He added targeting root causes of crime, the integration of modern technology, enhanced real-time monitoring and accountability also led to better investigative outcomes.

For 2025, several transformative modern initiatives will be undertaken.

The Top Cop revealed that this plan includes advanced training programs ensuring all senior officers graduate with degrees, while junior ranks will achieve diplomas or postgraduate qualifications.

Commissioner Hicken also emphasised the importance of building a more diverse and capable police force, stating that the new Dora Police Academy will play a critical role in preparing officers.

“Going to Dora on the highway, we are going to program you so when we bring you to Georgetown, you are going to be intact,” he stated.

The modernisation plan should include establishing divisions for tourism, aviation, and oil and gas by 2025; launching a Youth Advisory Council and a neighborhood watch programme and creating a centralised crime observatory and public system to improve investigative outcomes through better access to data and analysis.

Additionally, efforts will target firearm control through multi-agency collaboration, police stations will be equipped with accident and investigation units, and equip all regions with enhanced policies and emergency response capabilities.