Hicken: Police should not be staying at the stations anymore
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, along with members of the Guyana Police Force’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), visited Regional Police Division #6 on Friday, January 10, 2025.
The delegation, which included Deputy Commissioners Ravindradat Budhram, Simon McBean, and Wendell Blanhum, addressed officers and ranks alongside Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus during a meeting at the Central Police Station headquarters in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
The meeting served as an opportunity for the leadership team to set the tone for the year ahead and outline expectations for the force in 2025 and beyond.
Deputy Commissioner Simon McBean emphasized the importance of personal development and leveraging the ongoing technological advancements within the force. He noted that these opportunities would make policing more efficient and urged officers to embrace them fully.
He reiterated the need for optimum performance, professionalism, and accountability, describing these qualities as essential for maintaining the Force’s pride and integrity.
Deputy Commissioner and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum focused on the proactive role police officers must play in crime prevention, stressing that preventing crimes is preferable to detecting them after the fact.
He reminded the ranks of their responsibility to ensure justice and serve all people equitably. “You are servants of the people. Justice should be for all,” Blanhum stated, underscoring the shared mission of the force to “serve and protect.”
Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram highlighted the Force’s commitment to the personal and professional development of its members. He urged officers to take advantage of the opportunities available to enhance their skills and academic qualifications, which are critical for career advancement.
Budhram also stressed the importance of discipline and collaboration among ranks, calling on them to work together and avoid abusing their authority.In his feature address, Commissioner Clifton Hicken elaborated on the Force’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, emphasizing its significance to the overall development of the Guyana Police Force.
Commissioner Hicken, who has been instrumental in strengthening police-community relationships, encouraged ranks to actively engage with communities. He highlighted the importance of these partnerships in reducing crimes such as robbery, murder, and theft, thereby fostering safer environments.
“Police should not be staying at the stations anymore,” Hicken declared, urging officers to be present in communities, interacting with residents and building trust.
He instructed that no more than two officers should remain in the inquiries Office at any given time, with the rest deployed to the streets to carry out community policing duties.
The Commissioner also issued specific directives to traffic and patrol ranks, warning traffic officers not to stop persons without body cameras and advising patrol officers to focus on combating gun and drug-related crimes instead of engaging in traffic work.
Before concluding the visit, Commissioner Hicken promoted two officers on the spot. Constable James and Lance Corporal Ward were elevated to the rank of Corporal in recognition of their performance. This visit reinforced the Force’s commitment to professionalism, development, and community collaboration, setting a clear agenda for the year ahead.
