Serious crimes decrease by 42 per cent, says Hicken

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken on Wednesday said that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has seen a 42 per cent decrease in serious crimes, as he challenged ranks to aim for a 60 per cent reduction.
Speaking at the GPF’s Inspectors’ and Sergeants’ Conference at Eve Leary, Hicken said the GPF had achieved a 12.2 per cent reduction in serious crimes in 2024 compared to 2023, while traffic accidents had decreased by 28 per cent during the same period.
He also referenced a recent incident where police were filmed fighting with civilians and encouraged ranks to not only rely on training strategies and innovation but also use wisdom in the execution of their duties.
“Wisdom in policing means knowing when to act and when to listen… We saw what transpired in the media the other day with the two traffic ranks. Wisdom tells us when to act and when to listen. It means balancing enforcement with compassion. Risk assessment is your policy. When you go out there, it cannot be two on two. It has to be four or six police to two people, and that is why we have the SOP with the operations room. When you go out there, do a threat assessment and call the operations room. Don’t wait until you start fighting and things get out of hand and then you’re begging for help. You are embarrassing the force when you do that,” Hicken said.
The conference held under the theme, “Enhancing Leadership and Strategic Readiness for Contemporary Policing” will conclude tomorrow.
It aims to provide a vital platform for professional development, knowledge sharing, and strategic dialogue.
The theme reflects the evolving landscape of the force in the face of new challenges, such as technological advancements.
Over the two days, Inspectors and Sergeants will participate in workshops, presentations, and interactive decision-making sessions aimed at strengthening leadership skills and enhancing preparedness for the demands of modern policing.