Acting Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken has noted that while the Guyana Police Force has experienced its fair share of challenges this year, it has also recorded a long list of success stories, ranging from better traffic management, overall better policing and new crime fighting strategies.
Mr. Hicken made the comments while speaking at the Guyana Police Force’s end of year award ceremony.
“This is as a result of strategic data driven policing initiatives, such as increase community policing and patrolling in crime hotspots, crime mopping and predictive policing which has enable a more effective resources allocation. Evidence-based police strategy also led to better investigation outcome, and social crime prevention programme allows us to target root causes of crime,” Mr. Hicken noted.
Further, the Top Cop noted that 2024 saw improvements in road safety, noting that although there were frequent accidents, there has been an overall decrease.
However, he stated that the vision of the Police Force this year was based on its 2022-2026 strategic plan, which speaks about improved use of technology in crime fighting, professionalizing the Police Force, and increasing the training for ranks.
“Our organisation is currently undergoing a transformative reform process as part of our commitment to retool, and improve law enforcement practices as outlined in the 2022-2026 strategic plan. This forward-looking blueprint is more than just a road map for the future, its a bold promise to modernize and diversify and professionalize the Guyana Police Force while ensuring transparency and accountability and community-centered policing,” the Acting Top stated.
Outlining some of the successes of the GPF for the year, Mr. Hicken said a number of ranks benefitted from scholarships and training initiatives.
He said other achievements included the establishment of Computer Centres throughout the country to train youths ahead of the Police Force’s “safe country” programme, the implementation of a border management system to detect smuggling and other illegal activities at various ports of entries and the strengthening of its marine capabilities.
In the midst of those achievements he reported that there were also challenges.
“While the success of the Guyana Police Force is commendable, they have not been without challenges such as budget constraints, evolving nature of crime, recruitment and retention, social and economic factors among others,” the Top Cop stated.
Looking ahead, in 2025, Mr. Hicken said the Force is looking to establish specialized units which would include aviation, oil and gas, tourism and a youth advisory council.
Further he said an accident investigation unit is expected to be established at every Police station, and a new police training academy will be established at DORA on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.
The Guyana Police Force has faced serious concerns about corruption within the Force, especially among senior officers. An Assistant Commissioner of Police is currently before the Courts facing more than 200 fraud and money laundering charges.
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