TO enhance crime-fighting capabilities and respond to complex situations, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for training partnerships.
In brief remarks during the simple ceremony held at the GPF headquarters in Georgetown, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn emphasised the need for police transformation to address complex issues of crime and improve community engagements.
The agreement was signed by US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot; First Deputy Commissioner of NYPD Tania Kinsella; Deputy Commissioner of Police ‘Admin’ Calvin Brutus; and Minister Benn, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the NYPD.
Kinsella, in her address, said that the training programme will be tailored to address the unique law enforcement needs in Guyana.
She said: “We are so excited to share our experiences and our best practises with the Guyanese Police Force. We want to help them tackle similar challenges in their communities and make Guyana safer too.”
Additionally, a curriculum will be crafted to enhance the adoption of law enforcement training best practises, including homicide and responding to gender based violence, and community policing responses.
“As we move forward, I see a future where our partnership only grows stronger and we freely exchange knowledge and experience for the greater good of New York City and Guyana,” Kinsella said.
During this week, the NYPD commissioner and her delegation will meet with key government and civil society stakeholders, Ambassador Theriot said, noting that these engagements will see a stronger partnership to support the local police.
“It will foster a more inclusive criminal justice system, and it will further attract international investment as Guyana rapidly grows, transform and diversifies its economy,” she added.
The NYPD will return to Guyana within a few months to commence the training programme, and a cadre of officers will travel to New York later this year to participate in the practical study tour at the NYPD’s training facility.
The Ambassador further said that the programme is an additional “tool” to address crime, violence, and illicit trafficking.
She emphasised the US’ commitment to deepening partnerships with Guyana to address shared security challenges. Prior to the signing ceremony, the delegation had met with Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
