Hicken says ‘crime is down’ 

With enhanced infrastructure and a change in policies, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a “record” 88 per cent decrease in serious crimes.

This includes a 63 per cent decrease in murders, an 88 per cent drop in armed robberies, and a 93 per cent dip in burglaries and larceny.

These figures were shared in a release from the Guyana Police Force. Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, confirmed the decline while speaking during an episode of the “Safeguarding the Nation” programme.

“It is true… Yes, we know crime is down,” Hicken said.

However, Hicken acknowledged that the public continues to have doubts because they are not engaging with the Police. To address this situation, Hicken said the leadership of the Force is doing “everything in its power.”

Some measures implemented include enhancing infrastructure to make the Police environment more comfortable and welcoming to the public and the implementation of policies to ensure transparency.

“The Guyana Police Force has changed.

“This is a friendly atmosphere with members of the public. There are no more barriers across where the public and police can communicate. It is free,” Hicken said.

The leadership of the Police, Hicken said, is also to have “an open door policy.”

“I have made this clear…We are striving every day to be more transparent as a Police Force,” Hicken said.

He added, “No Police is above the law. Similarly, no civilian is above the law.”

In terms of policies, Hicken said the Force has recently implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which governs the use of stun guns (otherwise known as tasers). This, he said, is aimed at eliminating the use of lethal force.

“Now we have this stun gun, we can use that rather than using lethal force against members of the Police. That is working for us,” Hicken said.

Every rank is also being equipped with body cameras so that their interactions with members of the public can be recorded. And unless there are roadblocks, Hicken said individual ranks, specifically those within the traffic department, should not stop drivers.

“The body camera gives transparency between the Police and the public whenever they speak. So my instructions are very clear. Persons must not stop if the ranks do not have a body camera,” Hicken said.

The Guyana Police Force is currently being governed by six Strategic Plans: development, infrastructure, partnership, operation, performance, and professional accountability.