The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is advancing its efforts for bilateral security cooperation with the French Police Authority in a move aimed at enhancing collaboration in critical security matters.
On Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and senior GPF officials met with a French delegation led by Ambassador Olivier Plançon and Police Commander Jean-Michel Canestrier. The meeting centered on developing strategic partnerships and formalizing cooperation through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MOU aims to establish a framework for ongoing collaboration between the two police forces, focusing on operational coordination and the exchange of information. Key areas of discussion included real-time information sharing, cross-border alerts, and investigative support to effectively respond to criminal activities affecting both jurisdictions.
Training and capacity building were also highlighted, with an initial focus on detecting fraudulent documents. This training will cover identification features of Guyanese, French, and European Union identity and travel documents, as well as investigation techniques related to document fraud.
Officials also discussed the digitalization and computerization of policing efforts, incorporating advanced investigative technologies and data management systems to modernize both forces.
“The meeting acknowledged that Guyana and France, through French Guiana, face similar criminal threats across the Guyana Shield, including narcotrafficking, gold smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration,” the GPF stated. Concerns were raised about the potential increase in illegal immigration following the recent launch of direct flights between Georgetown and Amsterdam Schiphol.
The GPF remains committed to fostering strong regional and international partnerships to safeguard citizens and looks forward to deepening cooperation with French authorities in addressing shared transnational threats.
