While reporting that the Guyana Police Force has been making strides in its operations, Acting Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken has stated that the Police Force continues to face the challenge of recruiting and retaining ranks within its fold.

During the opening of the annual Police Officer’s Conference this morning, Acting Commissioner Hicken said the Force is seeking to redesign and digitize the Police entrance exam to attract post-secondary standard education so that it can attract a wider cross section of Guyanese within its ranks.

The spotlight has long been on the Force’s recruitment policy, which only requires a primary or sound secondary education at minimum for entrance into to the Police Force.

The salary paid to police officers has historically been cited as one of the reasons why the Police Force has been facing difficulty in its recruitment of new ranks.

“We have also confronted internal challenges including recruitment and retention issues which is a concern. There is also greater need for diversity and inclusivity within our ranks by fostering a culture of support, respect and inclusivity we can ensure that every member of our force feel valued, empowered and equipped to perform their duties with excellence and integrity,” Mr. Hicken said.

Mr. Hicken said the focus now is to enhance diversity and inclusivity of the Force’s human resource composition, so as to reflect the makeup of the country.

“As we speak we are across the regions and the regions will see the makeup that the regions would like to see, meaning region one would have varying cultures, different from region 6 and so the police in region one, will be diverse based on what is required in the region,” Mr. Hicken said.

Still, he said the Guyana Police Force must remain vigilant, adaptable and proactive in addressing the challenges that it faces. It was also noted that the Police Force is also going through a rebranding phase as part of its efforts improve the needs of law enforcement in the 21^st century.  

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