Police Force successful in seizing firearms in hinterland areas.

Georgetown : Acting police commissioner Leroy Brummel during the during the annual police conference this week said, the force continues to focus on the criminal activities in the interior of Guyana and more the recently attacks on the fishing community.

During the conference a session was conducted with a team of officers specifically focusing on strategies to police the interior, particularly mining and logging communities more effectively.
A number of police checkpoints were established within E and F Division along with frequent patrols and ‘stop and search’ operations. The Force is also working closely with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and other stakeholders to ensure more effective management and control of these areas.
The type of terrain in those locations significantly affects the Force’s ability to respond more effectively; to this end, Government through the Home Affairs Ministry recently handed over four All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to aid in this regard.
With regards to piracy, the acting Commissioner recognised that the Force has not been able to tackle this problem as effectively as required since it is not adequately equipped; however, it continues to work closely with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Agriculture Ministry’s Fisheries Department; rendering the necessary assistance to combat piracy.
The infiltration of illegal firearms at the borders and into the country, which ultimately ends up in the hands of criminal elements, is also a matter of grave concern. To this end, the Force has intensified its efforts to tackle this; resulting in the seizure of 125 illegal firearms in 2011. These include: 39 pistols, 41 revolvers, 41 shotguns, and four rifles; a momentum that has been maintained from previous years. 
The annual Officers’ Conference allows the GPF to review and re-examine its operations, administrative procedures and policies with a view of increasing overall effectiveness. This year it was held under the theme, “Enhancing community safety, and securing through partnerships, professionalism, reform and strategic management.”