‘Be free of fear’- Police to use drones, other smart policing strategies in robust Christmas plan

As the holiday season approaches, the Guyana Police Force is rolling out an extensive plan to keep residents and visitors safe.

Division Region 4A (Georgetown) which stretches from Cummings Lodge to Agricola, accounts for a significant portion of the city’s crime and traffic incidents, prompting the force to implement robust and innovative policing strategies.

At the launch of the Force’s Christmas policing plan on Friday, Commander Simon McBean announced that the operation will see 507 officers deployed daily with 207 patrols, including 249 traffic patrols and 258 anti-crime patrols.

Drone patrols will be utilised daily based on needs, enhancing surveillance in high-risk areas and hard-to-monitor locations.

Other patrols include:
• Bicycle patrols from 8 a.m. to the end of shopping hours
• Motorcycle patrols from 8 a.m. to midnight
• Motor vehicle and maritime patrols operating 24 hours a day

Key focus areas for patrols include markets, shopping malls, Regent and Robb Streets, banks, the seawall, hotels, shipping agencies, recreational areas, and post offices, Mc Bean revealed.

The force will also use smart policing strategies, heightened traffic enforcement, and enhanced management of entertainment and public events. Efforts will be made to reduce noise nuisance too.

“While we will allow persons to enjoy the festive season, we will also ensure that noise does not affect others,” Mc Bean said.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay aware of their surroundings, consider alternatives to cash payments, dress down, and place purchases in vehicle trunks to avoid theft.

During the festive period, additional measures include:
• Increased deployment of police ranks both day and night
• Operational police booths at key locations, particularly main shopping areas
• Patrols deployed to hotspots during peak hours
• Briefing sessions with business owners on customer safety strategies
• Enhanced security at ports of entry, including airports
• Deployment of recruits to strengthen police complement

Crime Chief, Deputy Commissioner Wendell Blanhum said these measures, including the use of drones, are part of a comprehensive approach to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable festive season for all.

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken said with the additional measures in place, public is expected to be free of fear “because everywhere you turn you will be seeing police”.