HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE

written by S. Pieters, B.A.
edited by A/Commr P. Slowe, D.S.M., BSc.

The Guyana Police Force was established under Public Ordinance 10 of 1891 and was continued under Chapter 77 of the Guyana Police Ordinance from independence in 1966 until 1977 when it was repealed and replaced by the Police Act, Chapter 16:01. The Force is administered by Commissioner of Police (Laurie Lewis) under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (The Hon. Ronald Gajraj, is the Minister responsible for this Ministry).

L - R, Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis and the Hon. Ronald Gajraj

Subsection 3(2) of the Police Act, Chapter 16:01 sets out the mandate of the Guyana Police Force as follows:

The force shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime, the preservation of law and order, the preservation of the peace, the repression of internal disturbance, the protection of property, the apprehension of offenders and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations which it is directly charged and shall perform such military duties within Guyana as may be required of it by or under the authority of the Minister.

Guyana is divided into seven police divisions commanded by Assistant Commissioners based at their divisional headquarters with the exception of "F" Division, which is at the force Headquarters in Eve Leary.

The main administrative divisions are operations and staff services. Line Operations is responsible for operations and is headed by the Divisional Assistant Commissioners - and a Deputy Commissioner Operations who is based at police headquarters - Eve Leary. Line Operations duties includes patrol and beat duty, traffic regulation and control, and criminal investigations. Staff Services is responsible for supply, personnel, data communications, transport and other material. The Staff Services functions are carried out primarily at force headquarters, Eve Leary. Staff Services duties includes budgeting, planning and administration, police records system, purchasing, transportation, and the forensic science laboratory.

The working uniform of the regular police force consist of dark blue trousers and short sleeved, open neck shirt, together with a Black Police cap or beret. Senior Officers wear a Khaki tunic with short sleeved and open neck with matching trousers and a black cap. Tactical Services Unit members wear a khaki trousers with short sleeved and open neck with matching shirts and a black beret during regular duties or black combat helmets during special operations including riot duties.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for training as an Guyana Police Force Constable, a candidate must be:

1.a Citizen of the Republic of Guyana;
2.between the ages of 18 and 30 when entering on duty; and
3.have completed four year of secondary school.

Members are recruited and trained at the Felix Austin Police College, located on the grounds of police headquarters, Eve Leary. Prior to employment, all candidates must complete a rigorous application process. Successful completion of written tests and an interview are followed by a thorough background investigation that includes:

checking credit and arrest records

interviewing associates

contacting personal and business references

interviewing past employers and neighbors

verifying educational achievements

a physical examination may be required

The completed background investigation is then assessed for a final decision on hiring.

Guyana Police Force Training School

The Felix Austin Police College carry out diverse training and operational functions necessary to carry out the functions and responsibilities for which the force is mandated.

The Training school has residence facilities for all recruits, Constables, NCO'S and Officers who are receiving instructions or training at this facility. In addition, it has a dining hall, library, a classroom building, a large Auditorium, administrative offices, the force's museum, and a parade ground. In addition to the main complex there is access to the Police Sports complex, and the Firing Range for training purposes.

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Commissioner of Police and Command Officers