Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 15, 2014 Editorial
The nation must have been stunned by the news that the recently commissioned forensic laboratory at Turkeyen does not have the capacity at present to conduct DNA testing. To add insult to the injury done to the public purse, the authorities unashamedly announced that to date, the police have not done any testing at the over one billion-dollar facility, ostensibly established to assist that law enforcement agency in its ongoing efforts to fight crime.
It was anticipated that with the discovery of a decomposing corpse at Pattensen late last month that there would be some urgency to have a determination as to whose body it was. Not so, it is reported that the Crime Chief can only say that the samples will be sent for tests to be done soon.
One would have thought that the work of the police does not end with a literal interpretation in the operationalization of its motto of “Service and Protection” which includes prevention of crime, but would be extended to include the successful prosecution of those who are detected as having committed those crimes.
Now how does that thinking fit in to the situation where a body is discovered with multiple stab wounds and there is an apparent lethargy when it comes to identifying the victim. Maybe this is a case like the old saw, where the sheriff of a small town upon examining the body of a man with stab wounds about the body and a gunshot to the head, sagely observed that it was the worst case of suicide he had ever seen. This is the kind of farcical theatre that lowers the police force in people’s estimation.
The impression is gained that a decision has not been taken by the force administration, as would have been expected, so long after such a gruesome find. There also does not seem to be any examination of the possibility that a serial killer could be on the loose as had been raised previously in these columns.
A discerning public is likely to wonder if the police hierarchy pays any attention to the letter and editorial columns; whether the public relations unit provides reports containing analyses and recommendations on issues raised. From all indications, this practice which occurs in modern police forces the world over seems to have been overlooked in the Guyana Police Force, which is struggling to reform and modernize itself. How this will be possible remains to be seen, especially if the thinking is not adjusted in keeping with other universally accepted policing standards.
One sure way of making the best use of the available intellectual capacity within the force is by establishing the police version of a think tank which examines political, economic, social, technological, and environmental issues that can positively impact on effective and efficient policing in service to this nation. The worn-out excuse that the force can only work with what society produces is a cop-out, and effectively prevents the introduction of innovative and creative solutions to a defective socialisation system. How much the force is interested in recreating itself and reforming all aspects of its image is left to the jury, which is out as this is written.
At the just concluded Guyana Festival, patrons were exposed to the offerings of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), but nowhere was there a similar Guyana Police Force participation. That should answer the question on interest of self-promotion. Another point is the remedial intervention that the GDF has established for its recruits and in-service ranks who may be below par scholastically.
If the GPF has a similar programme it is a well-kept secret as far as its achievements are concerned. To be brutally honest, the top brass in the force seem quite content to pay lip service to the changes envisioned by their subject minister. How else can one explain the continuing unethical behavior throughout the ranks?
What seems to be sorely lacking is the will and willingness to not only promote desired changes, but a demonstrated commitment through meaningful participation by leading from the front and by example. Sensible use of available technology and optimal utilization of the forensic laboratory would be steps in the right direction.
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 23, 2024
Kaieteur Sports – Over the weekend, the prestigious Lusignan Golf Club played host to the highly anticipated AMCHAM Golf Tournament, drawing golf enthusiasts and professionals alike from across...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]