‘Soft approach’ can help address domestic violence reports, build public trust – Deputy Commissioner Budhram

The Guyana Police Force is reinforcing the use of a soft, non-confrontational approach in handling reports of sensitive matters such as domestic violence as part of a broader effort to build community trust and reduce tensions during potentially volatile situations.

This is according to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ravindradat Budhram who said officers are being trained to “de-escalate” situations especially in cases involving domestic disputes.

“In a simple domestic violence matter, a soft approach can resolve the problem,” Budhram said during an appearance on this week’s ‘Safeguarding Our Nation’ programme.

“We teach our Police men and women to de-escalate certain sensitive situations,” Budhram said.

According to Budhram, officers are being encouraged to use their judgment and discretion at the station level to prevent matters from escalating unnecessarily.

“The bottom line here is the interaction at the station level… It requires the Police on the ground to use their judgment at any given time, in any given situation, so as to resolve simple matters,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner acknowledged that the way Police officers engage with the public directly affects the force’s reputation and relationship with communities.

“At the end of the day, our action matters towards the public,” he stated.

In recent years, the Force has invested significantly in capacity building with over 600 officers trained in areas including domestic violence, child abuse, Information technology and general investigations.

These efforts, Budhram said, are part of a wider strategy to modernise policing and ensure officers are equipped to serve with professionalism and compassion.

“We consider our human resource as the most important,” he said, adding that promotion and professional development remain top priorities.

“No Police officer at 15 years will remain at constable. They will be promoted. Once you study, you will be promoted,” he said.