Approximately 20 persons attended Tuesday’s consultation on crime at the New Amsterdam Town Hall with many expressing scepticism and indifference to the meeting.
Organized by the National Steering Committee on Crime, it was one of two held in East Berbice following sessions at Corriverton and Albion. A similar meeting was held at Rosignol Secondary school. Speaking at the opening sessions were Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commander of ‘B’ Division, Paul Slowe, and Guyana Defence Force Lieutenant Colonel Mark Phillips.
Slowe in his remarks provided information on the role of the Guyana Police force, and its part in the consultations, its organisation and community policing groups, among other matters. He also referred to the various steps taken so far by the force in an attempt to tackle the present crime wave, including joint patrols with the GDF.
As persons began entering the Town Hall, they quickly realized that no seating accommodation had been provided. It was later learnt that no public address system had been provided either. The council made some chairs available, but some persons were forced to stand during the session. Others, on entering and realizing that no seats were available, left.
A questionnaire was circulated to participants at the beginning of the meeting and filled up and returned to the organizing committee.
Among some of the questions raised by participants were what steps had been taken so far by Cabinet to address the crime situation. Slowe replied that some measures had already been implemented while others were long term such as training of officers. One resident called for increases in salaries for officers, better equipment and armoury. Another called for a redefining of the role of the force to become more people-oriented and to involve more youths in some of its social and sporting activities.
A businessman argued that the force has not adjusted or adapted to the changes that have taken place in the society over the years. “There is also need for an improvement in the quality of admissions into the force and a redoubling of training programmes involving the various personnel at all levels.” The force should also seek to involve professional human resource personnel and other professionals in related fields in its training programmes, he declared, adding that better working conditions and salary scales will attract qualified people.
Calling on members of the force to be more professional in the execution of their duties, the businessman also recommended the introduction of tracker dogs in the fight against crime, noting that they are still being used by the police in the developed world. According to him, if the force is to be successful in its fight against crime, it must begin by cleaning-up its own house.