A newly commissioned Police Divisional Headquarters in Fort Wellington, District Five, now houses offices that deal with domestic violence and witness protection matters. The state-of-the-art building costs $201M.
Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken, noted that the structure is intended to be “more user-friendly” than most. He added the building will comprise a case management room, an automated case management system, and an integrated criminal information system. The new structure was built in line with the Guyana Police Force’s objectives for decentralization.
“I am seeing here members of the public, I am seeing here representatives of the Joint Services, I am seeing here members of the faith-based organizations, and this gives me comfort to see that the Guyana Police Force is no longer working in isolation,” Mr. Hicken posited.
He spoke about the importance of leadership and not working in isolation. “Commander, this is the posture of the leadership of the Guyana Police Force, and this partnership effort must be maintained,” the Top Cop said.
Commissioner Hicken further indicated that the police force is working assiduously to meet the needs of the public, and as such, is moving toward contemporary policing.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, in his address, said it is anticipated that these additional characteristics of the police station will significantly enhance the Guyana Police Force’s capacity to combat crime effectively.
He said that the police would be in a better position to protect and assist citizens with this new structure. Minister Benn also pointed out that the facility was constructed to ensure efficient policing in the community.
He also alluded to the government’s commitment, tangibly represented through budget allocations, to ensure the best environment is created with cutting-edge technology and SMART police stations.
