Criminal Investigation Department hosts Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

Ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were recognised today (Tuesday, December 20, 2022) for their stellar performances and dedication during the year 2022.

The traditional Christmas luncheon and awards ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary.

Mr. Delon Fraser and Mrs. Vernette Pindar-Whittaker, Assistant Superintendents of Police, served as masters of ceremonies as the programme began with a prayer and a song from woman constable Roberts.

The Best Cop was awarded to Sergeant Cosbert, and the runner up position went to woman Sergeant Rodney. Both the Best Cop and the Runner-up received a number of prizes and monetary gifts from both the Guyana Police Force and members of the corporate sector.

Special awards were given to Director of Public Prosecution Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, Police Legal Advisor Mr. Mandell Moore, Assistant to the Police Legal Advisor Superintendent Delon Fraser, Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, retired sergeant Ms. Sandiford and Barrack labourer Ms. Ann Singh.

Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, M.P., during his brief remarks said that he is aware of the problems faced by the CID in regards to DNA testing and was happy to announce that the machines have been paid for and in a couple months DNA testing will be done in Guyana which will minimize the waiting time of sending samples overseas for testing.

Mr. Benn further noted that “crime and criminality is one of the greatest hindrances to national development.”

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken, during his feature address, congratulated Mr. Blanhum and his team for their excellent work during the year and for their professionalism in executing their duties.

“It is important to note that for us to maintain our posture in terms of professionalism, it is necessary that we develop capacity and the most important resource is our human resources,” the Top Cop posited.

Mr. Hicken told the gathering that “the training school as we currently know it as the Felix Austin Training College will be changed to The Police Academy.”

Mr. Hicken further pointed out that the Force has commenced preparation for the Academy which has been registered and has already achieved Academy status.

The Top Cop allocated $400,000 to the CID while reminding the ranks that “we are employed to ensure that we serve the public and are not to be served, and whatever you do, do it responsibly. Whatever you do, remember, we are to lead by example, and ethical standards must be maintained during this festive season.”

Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’, Mr. Wendell Blanhum, while delivering his brief remarks, lauded the ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department for their hard work, sacrifice, and outstanding performance during the year 2022. “You are excellent examples through which the value of hard work is exemplified”, the Crime Chief noted.

Alluding to some of the successes the Guyana Police Force has achieved through the Criminal Investigation Department for the year 2022, Mr. Blanhum noted that there was a 90% reduction in serious crimes this year, when compared to last year. Also, for the year 2022, 122 murders were recorded, which is the third lowest number of murders recorded over a 10 year period.

The Crime Chief further noted that the detection rate, or clear operating rate, for murder is at an all-time high, which is 80.3%.

Over a 10-year period, 2022 accounted for the lowest frequency of Break and Enter and Larceny with 467 being recorded, as opposed to 2013 when there were 1692 cases, which is the highest number recorded.

Mr. Blanhum noted that for substances over the past five years, the third highest cocaine seizure was made this year, with 294 kilogrammes of cocaine, and over the last five years, the highest cannabis seizure was made this year, too, with 789 kilogrammes of cannabis.

With regard to firearms, during this year 78 illegal firearms were taken out of circulation.

“We did well this year, and we will go forward into the New Year to achieve greater results”, Mr. Blanhum posited. “In terms of our forecast moving ahead in the year 2023, greater emphasis will be placed on technology training, recruitment, and partnership. The Criminal Investigation Department intends to exploit technology and data to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal groups”.

In closing, the vote of thanks was given by the best cop, Sergeant Cosbert.

Also present at today’s event were Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Mr. Calvin Brutus, Commander 4’A’, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean; Commander Region 3, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, Commander 4’B’, Senior Superintendent Mr. Mahendra Singh; Head I.T. Dept, Senior Superintendent Mr. Jermaine Johnson, retired Assistant Commissioners of Police, senior and junior officers, special invitees; and other ranks.