Georgetown : The festive season of Christmas brings along with it increased commercial activities and in order to prevent crimes, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has special plans in place for the period November 15, 2014 to January 2015.
Head of Law Enforcement Mr. Leslie James noted that the objectives of the security plan are to minimise criminal activities, traffic congestion and make the city of Georgetown safe for visitors, citizens and shoppers during the Christmas season.
The Force will be increasing its patrols using its motor vehicles and bikes, along with its various ranks, and strategically placed manned booths and conduct security operations as part of security measures.
According to Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken this traditional policing arrangement will target increased commercial activities around the city and the inevitable increase in traffic congestion.
To ensure adequate policing of the city, Hicken pointed out that Georgetown will be divided into five sectors, each will be supervised by a Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent assisted by a Cadet Officer and an adequate number of ranks.
Section one which covers North – Seawall, South – Hadfield Street, East – Camp Street and West – Demerara River, comprises primarily the commercial sector around the city.
Section two which comprises; North – Hadfield Street, South – Punt Trench Dam, East -Camp Street and West – the Demerara River -contains many hardware stores, lumber yards, hotels and municipal markets. This area will be covered by vehicle patrols, as well ranks on foot.
Sector three contains to the North – Seawall, South -Croal Street, East-Vlissengen Road and West-Camp Street.
Section four’s boundaries are North – South Road, South- Princes Street, East-Vlissengen Road and West-Camp Street/Russell Street, and these will be policed by vehicular patrols.
Sector five caters for North-Seawall Road, South-Princes Street, East-Sheriff Street and Mandela Avenue and West-Vlissingen Road.
Ranks who will be policing the areas on foot will be working on a four-hour shift to avoid officers from being overworked. Foot Patrols will be done between 06:00hrs to 10:00hrs / 09:00hrs to 13:00hrs /12:00hrs to 16:00hrs/ 15:00hrs to 20:00hrs daily. During the period December 22 to 24, and 29 to 31, the foot patrol times will be adjusted to accommodate late shopping.
Meanwhile, motor cycles and vehicular patrols will be done on a 24-hour basis on 12- hourly shifts.
Emphasis will also be placed on noise nuisance and public crime tips will be disseminated by the force.
