Police Force set to launch bicycle patrols – to boost crime fighting efforts

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Georgetown : The introduction of bicycle patrols with effect from today, will supplement existing Guyana Police Force (GPF) patrols in critical areas in Georgetown and several communities.

This initiative is the result of a plan initiated three months ago, according to ‘A’ Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner, Clifton Hicken.  Hicken told the government information Agency (GINA) that the move will add to the force’s “Social Crime Prevention Aspect” that has been increasingly effective.

“We have policemen and women walking within communities and interacting with people so we can get information and process them. At the same time, they are creating a relationship so that the information flow can benefit both residents and the Police Force,” Hicken explained.

A partnership with a stakeholder will see 20 refurbished bicycles being used. The bicycle patrols will complement the existing patrols that are carried out in Regent Street, Tiger Bay, Albouystown, Charlestown and sections of the East Bank corridor between Agricola and Georgetown.

The A Division Commander said that after the first month, there will be an evaluation, following which, there will be adjustments or possible expansion.

Commander Hicken added that there will be enhanced visibility of ranks, which the public has always welcomed. “Fortunately the public is now buying into what we are doing, and the information is broadening, and that is capacity we want to keep building on.”

The ranks are all trained and equipped for their duties and they will coordinate with other units as they respond to crimes.