Georgetown : The Home Affairs Ministry launched the training programme for Guyana’s first Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit which will be undertaken by 27 handpicked ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Speaking at the launching ceremony at the Police Officers’ Training Centre at Camp and Young Streets, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee said that time has come for the people of Guyana to begin getting value for the large sums of money that the Government is investing in the Force.
In October 2013, the Home Affairs Ministry signed a contract with the Emergence Group (TEG) from Washington for the provision of consultancy service for the establishment of the SWAT Unit. TEG designs and implements world class law enforcement and justice sector reform programmes around the world. The company partners with governments and international donors to strengthen civilian security institutions. It has successfully implemented projects in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America.
“A case was long made out in this country for the establishment for this unit in Guyana… I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that the direction in which we are going right now, with the establishment of a SWAT unit, will be helpful and useful, the people will ultimately be the beneficiaries,” Minister Rohee said.
He expressed his appreciation to Central Government for supporting the Ministry to get the project off the ground, notwithstanding the controversy that was triggered by some who questioned the legitimacy and usefulness of the establishment of this Unit at this time.
He said that the founding of this Unit must be seen within the context of the wider, more comprehensive modernisation thrust of the GPF; noting that modernisation is multi-dimensional process that encompasses a lot of strategic planning and thinking.
As a result of the changing nature of crime, policing methods have to be adjusted as well. Ranks have to be adequately trained to ensure that they are prepared for the rise in violent crimes, firearm related crimes, gangs and terrorism.
Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell said that the most important aspects of the SWAT Unit must be discipline, training, coordination, precision, professionalism, and most importantly, the ability to make strategic decisions.
He said that if sporadic situations that emerge are not managed effectively, they can evolve into acts of terrorism, and as such, the addition of the SWAT Unit is a vital component to the Force’s organisational structure.
“SWAT establishes strong training attendance standards which are mandatory, addressing civil and state emerging issues such as hostage rescue, resolving high-risk situation and suppressing terrorism,” Brumell said.
The selection process for the ranks of this unit was based on conditions that were set out by senior management and specialised officers within the GPF. These include: age, health, mindset, and years of service, experience and conduct.
Meanwhile, Director of TEG, Ambassador Dennis Hayes said that when a society has an organised, dedicated, trained force than can anticipate and act in emergency situations, the result is a much better protected society.
He said that anticipating issues and problems that can arise is key and can only be done through rigourous training. He urged the ranks to think and work as a team; noting that the aim is to resolve issues with the lowest level of force possible.
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