With national elections on the horizon, Guyana’s Joint Services have launched the second phase of an intensive security training programme aimed at strengthening coordination and preparedness among security forces. The initiative is designed to ensure a safe and orderly election period, equipping ranks with the skills and knowledge to address emerging threats and maintain public order.
Enhanced Training for Election Security
The latest round of training is being conducted at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, and brings together members from the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Fire Service, and Prison Service. The two-day working sessions focus on building synergy between agencies and ensuring a unified response to any incidents that may arise during the elections.
Key topics covered include:
- Legal frameworks governing the use of force and public order policing
- Election day security protocols
- Response strategies for public disorder and riots
- Foot, aerial, and vehicle patrols
- Anti-ambush tactics, cordon and search procedures, and roadblocks
Each session concludes with a panel discussion, fostering information sharing and reinforcing best practices across the security services.
Emphasis on Standard Operating Procedures
Senior officials have stressed the importance of adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) throughout the election period. Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken underscored the critical role each service plays in supporting one another, whether responding to border issues, internal security threats, fires, or prisoner escapes. He called on all ranks to maintain discipline and professionalism, warning that deviations from SOPs undermine the effectiveness and reputation of the security forces.
Building Professionalism and Community Engagement
The training is part of a broader effort to enhance professionalism, ethical conduct, and community engagement among junior officers and ranks. A 12-week junior officers’ course has also been launched, focusing on these core values and further strengthening the capacity of Guyana’s security services.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the Joint Services’ commitment to rigorous training and inter-agency cooperation is seen as a vital step in safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring peace and stability nationwide.
