There will be increased Police presence cross the country, particularly in key commercial zones from today as the Christmas Policing Plan takes effect.
In the capital city of Georgetown, and neighboring communities, more than 500 ranks are expected to be on patrol on a daily basis for the festive season.
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken launched the ‘Christmas Policing 2025’ on Friday at Police Headquarters’ Eve Leary, ahead of today’s implementation. He said there will be uniformed and plain clothes ranks deployed across the country to keep citizens safe.
Additionally, there will be also be the marine patrol, mounted patrol and canine patrol.
Commissioner Hicken said in addition to those on the ground, the Force will be capitalizing on its Data Management Information Unit to track crimes, and deploy resources.
“We have decided that if crime is going to happen and we are going to have traffic accidents, we need to have a device to deal with that and right away we decided on DBMIU – Data Base Management Information Unit – that tells us where we can deploy our ranks, traffic and crime. And so, we have the crime and the traffic people on a weekly basis, prepare that document and send it to the commander. The following week, the Commander understands where there are problems, and where there are potential problems,” the Police Commissioner said.
He said the police plans include patrols along the main roadways leading to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport to ensure that Guyanese and tourists alike get to their destinations safely.
“The flights that are coming in after 12, 11, 12, and 1, 2, we have a mechanism in place. We are going to have a patrol or two, crisscrossing Timehri to Georgetown. Why? That’s to ensure nobody tail anybody when we are going, and tail anybody when they are coming. We want to ensure that we sell Guyana the way it ought to be sold and we are going to do that,” Commissioner Hicken said.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said the Police will maintain a robust presence at check points and border locations, while additional patrols will also be deployed to areas known for particular criminal activities.
He said a team of highly trained investigators will always be on standby at CID Headquarters to be dispatched to any Police region to investigate very serious and complicated cases.
Meanwhile, Commander for Police Regional Division 4 A, Deputy Commissioner Simon McBean said the Regional Division, which includes the capital city, continues to account for the highest number of crimes in the country.
He said with increased visitors during the festive season, there is a potential for increased criminal activity. He promised robust policing, and explained that to keep citizens and visitors safe, the Police Force will be deploying 207 patrols daily, comprising 112 anti-crime patrols and 95 traffic patrols.
In total, there will be 507 Police officers on the ground daily.
“We intend to create a safe environment for all businesses, shoppers and visitors within the region throughout the Christmas Season. We intend to increase all forms of patrol that means foot, bicycle, motorcycle, vehicle, marine, mounted, canine and drone patrols. We also will be working in close collaboration with the City Constabulary, security agencies, business community and other stakeholders to ensure that we have a safer Georgetown for this season,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
The Regional Commander said the Regional Division covering Georgetown intends to reduce crime, fear of crime and traffic accidents and congestion during the period.
The Force’s Christmas Policing Plan will be in effect up until January 15, 2026.
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