President, Dr Irfaan Ali says that while he is pleased with the work done by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) over the last year to improve its image, more work is needed.
He made this observation known during his address at the Annual Officers Conference which is held under the theme “Promoting Improvement of Public Trust and Confidence, Maintenance Safety and Security through Competence, Professionalism and Partnership.” The event was opened at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre this morning.
President Ali said that some headway has been made in creating a positive perception of the force but noted the need for enhanced communication between the GPF and the public. In this regard, he urged the force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) to be more proactive and not reactive by participating in more educational programmes.
The unit was called upon to formulate “actionable targets” and not just plans to deal with the recent spate of fatal accidents.
He referenced the recent West Coast Demerara triple fatal accident that occurred this week and the public’s queries relating to the police force’s monitoring and presence on the roadways.
Acknowledging that Guyana’s population is relatively small, and the existing challenge to have a police presence in each community, he underscored the importance of the public’s obligation to participate in programmes that curb such instances of road fatalities and driving under the influence. Enhanced communication is key to the amalgamation of the force’s service and the public’s obligation, the Commander-in-Cheif of the Armed Forces emphasised.
The President told the force that its ranks can oftentimes be heard beyond the confines of the police stations shouting at civilians. This he said, does not bode well for the organisation. He urged that a softer approach be taken while stressing that more cooperation can be achieved if improved interpersonal communication and professional tone are adopted.
The President also expressed satisfaction at the “tremendous developments” garnered by a higher level of cooperation among the disciplined forces. He said that Guyana’s small population “requires us to work strongly together if we are to achieve our common objective”.
