Min. Benn charges disciplinary forces to re-assess performance; improve output and effectiveness

DPI, Guyana, Monday, August 17, 2020

In outlining the policy for the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, emphasised the necessity for police officers to exercise impartiality and sensitivity during the execution of their duties.

The Minister was at the time addressing senior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Georgetown, Saturday last.

During his engagement, Minister Benn reminded that Guyana is made of people of diverse religions, social and racial background. He charged that all be treated fairly and equally — embracing Guyana’s motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

He spoke of the GPF’s posture and conduct, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for ranks to always exercise consideration in dealing with the public, while simultaneously protecting themselves and citizens from COVID-19.

The need for continuous assessment of officers’ performance was also raised. He urged that targets be set to consistently improve the GPF’s output and effectiveness.

The Home Affairs Minister pointed to the implementation of a 10-point improvement strategy for all Divisions, Branches and Departments within the three Services and urged that the strategy be cascaded to every station and section within the three Services.

The Ministry will also seek to implement a mechanism that allows feedback from members of the public as to their perception of the quality of service offered, especially by the Police Force.

Highlighted too, was the need to assess and improve on the treatment of prisoners in custody and to retrain and reengage errant ranks for behavioural correction as a first step.

Additionally, the Minister charged the ranks to be equipped with the appropriate tools and training when responding to scenes of accidents and incidents.

Meanwhile, pointing to the Prison Service, the importance of assessing and improving the treatment of prisoners in custody was highlighted.

The Home Affairs Minister said his Government is committed to equipping the departments and services under his Ministry, with the right tools and targeted training to guarantee improved service delivery to all Guyana.

On behalf of the ranks and officers of the services, Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, DSM, expressed appreciation to the Minister, and assured that his team will craft an action plan for operationalisation of the policies set out by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

End