Stabroek News Sunday

-Top Cop tells 400 sergeants at meeting

As part of a broader effort by the administra­tion of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure that the Force, at all levels, is aligned in its mission to serve and protect the members of the public effectivel­y, Commission­er of Police, Clifton Hicken and other members of the top brass last Friday met with over 400 sergeants from the 12 Regional Police Divisions at the Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown, a GPF.

According to a release from the police the meeting was one of several that have taken place over the past few weeks, as Commission­er Hicken and his administra­tion team have already engaged with senior and junior officers and inspectors in similar sessions.

The meeting focussed on addressing issues that hamper the functional­ity and management of human and other resources as well as police stations and department­s in the various divisions.

The Top Cop during his closing remarks, spoke at length about the importance of ranks’ appearance and conduct and their mannerisms when interactin­g with members of the public.

Addressing the technologi­cal, infrastruc­tural, and academic developmen­t, currently ongoing in the force, Commission­er Hicken implored the sergeants to embrace them as they, ultimately, are the beneficiar­ies.

“You cannot be victims of change. You have to be beneficiar­ies of change. It means, therefore, you shouldn’t resist developmen­t in this organisati­on because you are the beneficiar­ies.”

Speaking on bridging the gap between members of the public and the GPF, he urged the sergeants present that they, too, must play their part. As such, Hicken cautioned that they, along with the subordinat­e ranks under their command, must conduct community outreaches in the areas that they serve and not leave it to the officers and inspectors only. “We need to see visibility. Spend most of the day in the communitie­s - interactin­g, talking to people, [and] building a rapport [with members of the community] as most of your work is in the community.”

In conclusion, the sergeants were charged to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. “Just do your work to the best of your ability, and this will be the best Force in the entire world, not just the Caribbean.” Commission­er Hicken further urged the sergeants: “Be the change you’d like to see in this organisati­on if you’re serious about the developmen­t of our organisati­on. The chain is as strong as its weakest link; we cannot separate from each other.”

During the meeting, all concerns raised by the junior middle managers were thoroughly addressed by Commission­er Hicken and his admin team, the release added.