By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken issued a stern ultimatum to the criminal underworld on Sunday, declaring that the era of anonymous crime in Guyana is over. Speaking on the latest episode of Police Roundup, the Top Cop credited a massive expansion in surveillance technology and command centers for a significant double-digit decline in serious crime nationwide.
Hicken’s warning was clear: masks and disguises will no longer shield offenders from the “widening eyes” of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The “Safe Country” Technology Push
At the heart of the GPF’s current success is a shift from a “Safe City” model to a broader “Safe Country” initiative.
- Command Centers: Five regional command centers are now operational in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, and Ten. These hubs provide live feeds to police, allowing for real-time detection and rapid response.
- Intelligent Surveillance: The system now includes License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Facial Recognition capabilities.
- Real-Time Response: In Georgetown specifically, Hicken noted that constant monitoring has become a primary tool in preventing robberies before they occur.
- The Ultimatum: “For those persons who are inclined to do the wrong thing… the cameras will find you. My suggestion to you is to stop,” Hicken warned.
2026 Crime Statistics: A Downward Trend
The Commissioner released the latest data, showing a marked improvement in public safety across several high-profile categories compared to the previous year.
Hicken noted that the force is aiming for a 25% overall reduction in serious crime within the next three to four months as more components of the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan come online.
Intelligence-Led Strategy
The decline in crime isn’t just about cameras; Hicken attributed the results to a “coordinated policing strategy” that emphasizes:
- Targeted Investigations: Focusing on repeat offenders and known hotspots.
- Rapid Response: Reducing the time between a 911 call and an officer’s arrival on the scene.
- Community Relations: The decentralization of the Community Relations Department to place officers directly within neighborhoods to build trust and gather human intelligence.
No Room for Complacency
While the numbers are encouraging, the GPF leadership remains cautious. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has previously warned that while technology is a force multiplier, it must be matched by disciplined supervision and court-ready investigations at the station level. With a $36.2 billion budget allocation for 2026, the GPF is betting heavily on the fact that in modern Guyana, you can run, but you can no longer hide from the lens.
