Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken recently unveiled ambitious enhancements to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), marking its most extensive technological expansion to date. During the GPF’s Annual Christmas Luncheon, Hicken announced the implementation of 30 new speed cameras, upgraded digital systems, and five newly established command centers, fundamentally reshaping policing across the nation.
Beginning the year with a clear mandate to modernize, strengthen professionalism, and foster public partnerships, Hicken stated, “We are building a Police Force where doing what is right is no longer an idea but an operational standard.”
Central to this modernization effort has been the unprecedented rollout of surveillance and digital tools. In 2025, the Force has introduced 6,685 body cameras, added five new CCTV locations, and deployed 30 speed cameras, significantly enhancing its monitoring and response capabilities.
The introduction of the Safe Road Intelligence System, in conjunction with the new speed cameras, has drastically improved road compliance. Electronic ticketing saw a remarkable increase, jumping from 837 e-tickets in 2024 to an impressive 24,793 in 2025. While traffic cases rose by 10%, fatal accidents experienced a marginal increase of 2%.
Hicken also elaborated on the establishment of five regional command centers in Regions 2, 3, 5, 6, and 10, with Regions 3 and 6 already operational. The remaining centers are anticipated to commence operations soon. These facilities are crucial for real-time monitoring, rapid deployment, and intelligence-led policing, contributing to a notable 25.2% reduction in serious crime this year.
The digital transformation within the GPF extends beyond surveillance. The Force has also launched digital workshops and upgraded the national 911 system, significantly improving response times and bolstering public confidence.
Hicken emphasized that while technology is enhancing operational capabilities, integrity must remain at the forefront of policing. “This modern performance demands modern integrity,” he asserted. “We reinforce that a creditable police force must be anchored in standards, not slogans.” He further clarified that policing is “not just law enforcement; it’s nation building.”
As 2025 concludes, Hicken noted that the GPF is poised to enter 2026 with renewed confidence, bolstered by reforms, rising public expectations, and an increasingly dependent national reliance on the police.
