| Joint Services welcome security reforms |  |  |  |
| Written by GINA |
| Monday, 14 January 2013 23:51 |
JOINT Services Heads recently reaffirmed their support for the Security Sector Reform Strategy, noting that it is ‘common sense’ to overhaul the sector so that it could efficiently meet the needs of modern society.
 From left, Director of Prisons Dale Erskine, Police Commissioner (ag) Leroy Brumell and Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle Guyana Police Force The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is 173 years old and it can no longer operate solely on the principles it was built on. It has to be modernised and the Capita Symonds Report has outlined the areas in which these changes must be made. These include: operations and procedure, development and partnerships, performance, and infrastructure. Over the last five years, this modernisation process began with implementation through the Citizen’s Security Programme (CSP), which was funded by the Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Several police stations were refurbished and outfitted with highly computerised systems to aid in effective crime fighting. Acting Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell said that this year, a lot of focus will be place on the training of police ranks, both overseas and locally, to complement the reforms that are underway. Another major aspect of the reform will see the police working assiduously to bridge the gap that currently exist with the public. He said that if this can be accomplished, then criminal activities will be decreased significantly. The strategic plan for the Police Force is expected to cost $35M. Guyana Fire Service The Guyana Fire Service, renamed the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS), is now 55 years old and like the Police Force, its management recognised early, the need for changes. As such, in 2007, this institution embarked on a strategic plan to ensure that it does not provide fire protection service that is inferior to what is required. This plan concluded in 2012, addressing issues such as: increasing the number of stations, modernisng tools and equipment, and enhancing the communication network and human resource base. Today, this organisation moved from seven stations to 15 and the 16th is set to come on stream at Diamond. Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle said that, “we have invested a lot in acquiring modernised equipment, fire tenders, protective gear and hoses…development have a direct impact on the Fire Service and we have to think ahead and anticipate future development trends so that we can keep up. We have to constantly overhaul our methods of operations.” He noted that the Service is now in the process of embracing new technologies to boost their capability as an organisation and this increases the need for a more highly skilled human resource base. Gentle added that, “our functions and responsibilities are more pronounced now with the name change of the Service.” Guyana Prison Service |
