Minister Benn, Commissioner Hicken Warns Private Security Firms to be Compliant, Professional

Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, along with Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken and Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Mr. Ravindradat Budhram, met with representatives of private security firms on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Officers’ Training Centre, Georgetown.

The meeting was geared toward discussing the issues and concerns surrounding the private security services and the ways in which the security services can work collaboratively with the Guyana Police Force with the joint aim of keeping Guyana safe and secure.

Minister Benn, during his brief remarks, pointed out to those present that as part of the security architecture of Guyana, the security services have the responsibility required under the law to be a willing, workable, and effective partner in respect to the mission of increasing peace in our country.

“There is a law in place and I want to encourage you to do your work in keeping with our laws”, Mr. Benn posited.

The minister specifically alluded to instances where officers of security firms would improperly use their firearms while on duty.

To this end, the Minister said that there needs to be professionalism, especially when it concerns the handling of firearms.

“We are open to further discussion”, Mr. Benn said.

At the level of the ministry, Mr. Benn noted that more efforts will be implemented to bring better awareness so as to critically deal with the problems of misuse of firearms and that we have to make sure that we can work together in cohesion.

“Make sure your people are well taken care of so they can do the job you hire them to do”, Minister Benn reasoned.

“I believe that many of you who are running security services are professionals in the area. I believe that many of you have knowledge and expertise with respect to training, behaviour, and culture with respect to the use of firearms,” Minister Benn stated.

The Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clifton Hicken, during his address noted that the safety and security of Guyana needs a collaborative effort, and while policing is at the forefront of law enforcement, the support and collaboration of key partners is critical.

Speaking on the recently acquired academy status of the Guyana Police Force, the Top Cop noted that all security services will have to be certified by the Police Academy.

Mr. Hicken continued by indicating that the curriculum would be created to adapt to the changing environment based on projections for the country’s oil and gas industry, which would enhance the theoretical component by incorporating tourism policing, which would highlight the security service in tandem with the Guyana Police Force.

Mr. Hicken reiterated, “the Guyana Police Force will not be working in isolation; we are going to be working in partnership; you are a part of the stakeholders; we are putting ourselves in order, and you will have to come on board”.

Second in Command of Operations, Mr. Ewart Wray, Traffic Officer Mr. Dennis Stephen, and Force Training Officer Mr. Kevin London, along with other senior and junior officers of the Guyana Police Force, were in attendance.