312 Neighbourhood Police serving six police divisions

Clement Rohee 2Georgetown: The Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has disclosed that a total of three hundred and twelve 312 Neighbourhood Police are now serving in six Police Divisions. At his end of year review, Rohee lauded the work of the Neighborhood and Community policy, urging them to continue their efforts in helping to curb the growing incidence of crime in Guyana.

Highlighting the accomplishments of the two bodies over the year, Rohee reported that the significant growth and activities within the Community Policing Organization. Divisional and National Elections were conducted across the country for Divisional Executive Committees and National Community Policing Executive Committees, respectively, and the new office bearers were elected and installed.

Regular training sessions are provided and visits are conducted by the Subordinate Officers at the various Police Stations. Their presence in the various neighbourhoods will boost the efforts of the Guyana Police Force in its drive to build partnerships. Some 270 Community Policing Groups are now active across the country with a total membership 5201. Members of the respective Community Policing Groups in 2014 benefited from training in the areas of statement writing, first aid, trafficking in persons, domestic violence, suicide awareness, communication, custody arrest and firearm training. Groups and Divisions carried out community service activities such as environmental cleaning, road safety, providing assistance to the less fortunate and the establishment of women’s and youth groups within respective communities.

In 2014 Community Policy received much needed items including uniforms, motor cycles, boats, brush cutters and vehicles to aid their efforts in empowering their communities. In 2015 the Community Policing Organization of Guyana (CPOG) will aim to further increase its strength in non-traditional areas, while promoting further training in Communication, Management and Computer literacy among its members.

“The CPOG also intends to utilize the electronic and social media to promote road safety and security awareness within communities. Additionally, with the implementation of a Home Security Programme, businesses and home owners can obtain advice to enhance security consciousness and to further design an environment to resist crime opportunists”, Rohee said.