- GPF rewards 1,967 ranks with $19M
There has been a significant reduction in the number of complaints against police ranks, Acting Commissioner David Ramnarine declared yesterday, as the Guyana Police Force handed out more than $19 million to 1,967 ranks as part of its 179th anniversary.
According to Ramnarine, there were 283 recorded complaints for the period of July 2017 to June 2018, as compared to 394 for the period of July 2016 to June 2017, which represents a reduction of 39.5%.
For the first six months of this year, a 50% decrease in complaints has been recorded, as it currently stands at 140, a significant reduction from 280 for the same period last year.
“The complaints generally have to do with the neglect of duty, police harassment, assault, wrongful arrest, corrupt practices, sexual harassment and fraudulent conversion. All [are] showing a substantial decrease except the offence: acts in a manner likely to bring disrespect on the reputation of the force showing an increase of 30%. A preliminary analysis suggest that improved and increased supervision, swift and condign action by leaders of the force, severe punishment, support through speedy and timely legal advice and some degree of reluctance of complainants are the main reasons for the decline,” Ramnarine explained.
The community policing groups from all the Policing Divisions saw a total of 24 members awarded with monetary compensation, for averaging over 215 hours each of their time for the first half of the year, in assisting to keep the peace, patrol the streets, serve summonses, execute warrants, perform extra duties, respond to reports of a less serious nature and to generally partner with the force to keep and control the peace.
“In a short while from now we will complete the fifth major activity in our force anniversary celebration period. Today at the force’s 179th anniversary it is becoming more pellucid that the demand for police services is rapidly increasing, inclusive of professionalism, integrity, accountability, transparency and relevancy,” Ramnarine said, while pointing out that there has been a significant increase of different ranks in the force.
He reiterated that between July 2016 and June 2017, 484 persons were recruited with an additional 600 between July 2017 and June 2018, bringing the total number to 1084. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has also been increased by 125, while the traffic department has seen an increase of 89 ranks in less than a year.
“The special constabulary has increased by 351 in the last two years and we have submitted a proposal for the establishment of the special constabulary to be increased from 1001 to 2000 based on constant demands for the services,” he added.