Law and Order Commission, CPG to be reconstituted

THE National Commission on Law and Order, which has not met over the past five years, will be reconstituted soon along with the launch of a ‘satisfaction survey’ on crime and security, which will be available online.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, made the disclosure during remarks at the official launch of the reformed national Community Policing Group (CPG) at the Police Training Centre at Eve Leary, on Monday.

Benn reflected that the national policing group system has its origin in 1976 due to efforts by the then Commissioner of Police, Henry Fraser, who adopted a response to rampant crime and loss of confidence in the security forces at that time.
“It was recognised that the promoting of safe communities and neighbourhoods could only come through by enabling and rebuilding of community trust and confidence through a system of volunteerism, using law abiding citizens to bolster and aid lawful, professional and human rights, embracing efforts of the Guyana Police Force,” Minister Benn explained.
He said that the fear of crime and security, imposed by reckless inconsiderate behavior, are at the top of the list of public concerns.

The Minister noted that poor law enforcement will also affect tourists and national and international investors who have genuine interests in partnering in Guyana’s development.
“A healthy and vigorous CPG must be a confident and reliable part of the security architecture of the country to help overcome the challenges of terrain, topography, demographics, culture, religion and language that are integral to our landscape and social diversity,” Minister Benn emphasised.
He noted that the formal policing structure can only be overcome by a system which offers engagement with youths, civil society, religious leaders and social activists who reside in the communities and who have a vested interest in promoting law and order.

Minister Benn said there are currently 166 community policing groups across the country with 2,903 members. This, he explained, shows a decline in groups by 20 per cent and membership by 40 per cent, adding that the activity level of the current groups is also below 30 per cent.
“There is a firm belief which I share completely that the misuse of the CPG system for blatantly partisan political purposes beginning from the passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018 and accelerated with further manifestation during the recount period, has seriously undermined the CPG system and the purposes for which it is intended,” Benn explained.
Further, the Home Affairs Minister said the same situation occurred in the Guyana Police Force and staff restructuring is designed to ensure acceptable confidence and professionalism at all levels.

For the CPG, he said that the new leadership will have to form group partnership across all communities, enhance diversity, and resolve conflicts. The new leadership will also have to promote useful social activities and proactive engagements with youths, vulnerable groups and women in at-risk communities.
“This will help the Guyana Police Force, the primary law enforcement agency, to better meet the expectation of all citizens,” he said.

Benn charged the CPG to also promote social cohesion and unity at the community level. The CPG is expected to increase to 5,000 members across the 10 administrative regions.
Meanwhile, Security Adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs, Harry Gill, in his address, said during the last five years the CPG suffered and became dysfunctional due to the lack of leadership.
“During this period, there were many reports of wrongdoing amongst others members, vehicular abuse, members misusing their authority and lack of cooperation between CPG members and ranks of the Guyana Police Force,” Gill said.

He explained that the restructuring of the CPG is designed to fix the deficiencies. According to Gill, in the first quarter of the New Year, the CPG will participate with the police in a procedural justice programme to build trust among the citizenry that lack confidence and respect of law enforcement.
He said that the training will enhance the way the police and CPG interact with the public.

“To be successful, CPG members must earn the trust of the residence they interact with on a daily basis,” Gill said. “No one with a history of domestic violence, alcohol abuse or even those perceived to be corrupt would ever be invited to be a part of this noble cause.”