Oct 11, 2019 News
Min of Public Security – Khemraj Ramjattan
In an interview on Kaieteur Radio, Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security disclosed that approximately 600 police ranks are needed in the GPF. He explained that the target is around 4,800 police ranks whereas the Force only has approximately 4,300.
Ramjattan said that some challenges faced in training police officers arise, as people in the Amerindian community are hesitant when it came to culture, language difference and the academy being too far from their homes.
Ramjattan added that police officers who graduated are also reluctant to provide service in other areas. He urged that there should be more patrols and community policing groups.
The Minister explained that immense efforts are placed on training where various areas of training were implemented with major programmes including training on domestic violence. He added that he attended the closing ceremony for the course where more than 100 police ranks were trained on handling domestic violence.
The Minister added that the salary structure poses a difficulty in this concern. He claimed that there is a constraint to meet the salary needs, as there are also other public servants that need to be catered for. He also said that due to the poor salary structure, police officers were found to be involved in crimes and as a result were suspended and put to face other penalties.
He explained that his ministry has worked on the realignment of police divisions in accordance with the administrative regions. He noted that “F” Division was significant. He highlighted that because of the heavy population of Region Four, it features sub-divisions, while each administrative region has its own division.
Therefore, this gives a service access to places like Lethem, Mabaruma and Bartica among others. He elaborated that since Region Four has a high population, the crime rate is high and it was sought to have Division being sub-divided in three.
He noted that the Ministry will try to give each region more assets which will be a part of their 2020 budget.
The Public Security Minister stated that commanders were asked to create community policing groups especially in the hinterland areas. He claimed that a number of Amerindians expressed their interest in forming groups by requesting for uniforms, ATVs and boat engines, which the Ministry has provided.
He stated, “Now, it is not gonna happen overnight that you will get a brand new police force.”
Comments
Maintaining law and order in a society is essential in order for a country to achieve its full potential. Therefore, the government must make policing a priority and find ways and the means to develop a police force that is worthy of the confidence of Guyanese people, tourists and potential investors wanting to come and live in Guyana. In order to encourage police to work in rural areas, government must supply an incentive for them to do so. One such incentive could be offering a higher pay to police who are willing to work in rural areas on a 6 month rotation basis….exchanging urban police with rural police. Teaching the culture of the Amerindian people must be made part of the police training program as well. It should not be difficult to find Amerindian translators to work with police who are stationed in those villages but don’t speak the language. Creativity in thinking must play a part in this process to make it work. So come on Mr. Minister, start thinking creatively.
These people can never elevate themselves because police are one big corrupt rotten dog who represent all that is nasty and rotten about this country
If the government corrupt the police will be corrupt. Police were allowed to be a law unto themselves during the previous administration….birds of a feather if you get my drift!!! The present government has been working diligently to root out the “rotten dogs” you mentioned and have actually arrested and charged some. Once the police understand that they are being scrutinized and some being charged and prosecuted and jailed, and lose their pensions, they will think twice.
You cant change a rotten dog
Surveillance cameras are an effective tool in identifying criminals that prey upon honest citizens. I support the government and police in employment camera surveillance. It is time to weed out corrupt cops.