Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has acknowledged that some investigations within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are taking longer than necessary, impacting both the progress of cases and public trust in law enforcement.
Addressing the opening of the Guyana Police Force Annual Officers’ Conference on Wednesday, Commissioner Hicken emphasized the need for reform. “We must acknowledge that some crime investigations take too long, affecting public confidence,” he stated.
To remedy this situation, Hicken announced that a major reform plan is underway, which will be rolled out in phases. He highlighted the importance of improved training and the implementation of practical systems designed to enhance the effectiveness of policing.
Part of the GPF’s strategic plan for 2027–2031 includes the nationwide rollout of the Safe Country Initiative, which aims to expand command centers and enhance CCTV coverage. The plan also focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence and data for crime prevention, digitizing citizen reports, and improving regional dispatch systems to reduce response times.
“These reforms will make investigations faster, smarter, and more reliable, giving the public the confidence they deserve,” Hicken assured.
Reflecting on recent achievements, the Commissioner noted that the GPF recorded a 25% reduction in serious crimes in 2025, and they are currently maintaining a 23% decrease with an impressive clear-up rate of nearly 60%.
With these reforms, the GPF aims to strengthen its relationship with the community and improve overall public safety.
