President David Granger, during his address at the opening of the three-day Annual Police Officers’ Conference at State House, this morning, said that the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s infrastructure is being improved to create an environment conducive to effective law-enforcement.
He reported that some 15 new police stations and outposts, including new stations at Linden and Aurora, were constructed over the past five years. Eighteen stations were rehabilitated during that period also, he said.
The Head of State noted that Divisional-based Management Information Units were also established and preparations have been made for the introduction of a National Intelligence Model across all
divisions.
He reported that 46 police stations are now linked to the Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS). The database of this system is being used to analyse crime-related information.
As it relates to the Forensic and Science Laboratory, the President said that the facility was upgraded to support the Force’s forensic investigations. It is now capable of conducting Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing, “at last”, he said.
President Granger said that the Force’s administration is becoming more automated. The Citizen Security Strengthening Programme has supported the implementation of an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) to enhance the Force’s human resource, finance and procurement management.
Police stations, outposts and headquarters will be expected to fully transition to renewable energy sources by the end of the ‘Decade of Development’ in 2029, the president said.
“The Force will be expected to be self-sufficient in energy by the end of that year. The Force is being recapitalized, including with support from friendly states. The Force’s transportation fleet since 2015 has been increased with the addition of 338 new vehicles – motor cars, motor buses, motor cycles, motor pick-ups, mini-buses and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other specialised utility vehicles. Thirty-four boats, engines and other riverine craft were added to the Marine Branch over the past five years to enhance its marine capability,” Granger said.
The use of body cameras by ranks, piloted in Division 4 ‘A’, is now being extended to other Divisions. The nine eleven (911) system was revamped to improve timely responsiveness to reports of crime, he also reported.
“Your Government has provided greater resources to help the Force’s crime-fighting capabilities. Expenditure (current and capital) increased by 85 per cent from G$7.5B in 2014 to G$13.9 B in 2019. The Government has provided for G$56.5B of the Force’s expenditure over the past five years,” the president said.
