Students who crowded the Joseph Pollydore Auditorium of the CLC in Georgetown to listen to a panel of representatives of the two agencies, expressed their opinions and recommendations that were well received, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Recommendations by the students centred on the roles of the Police and the GDF in combating crime.

Some students felt the Army should play a more integral role in the fight against crime while others were of the view that it is the duty of the Police to alleviate and solve crimes.

The GDF should not be involved since their role is to protect Guyana's borders and assist the Police Force when necessary, some said.

Students voiced the concern that there is no respect for members of the Force and this matter should be addressed. They said that contributing to this was the lack of confidentiality in the Police Force and the leakage of information.

Some said too for effectiveness in the crime fight, there needs to be specialised undercover agents who will be able to solve crimes by being part of the public, GINA reported.

Questions posed to the GDF and the Police Force dealt with the role of the GDF in combating the shipment of illegal arms into the country, and whether the Police Force functions as an independent body.

To these, representatives of the GDF and the Police responded saying that the GDF assists in many ways but is guided by the principles that govern the military.

In the mission statement and mandate set out for the GDF, it is clearly stated that whenever necessary, the Army can intervene in aiding the Police Force in the maintenance of law and order, the representatives said.

The Army, through the Coast Guard, works along with the Police Force in the area of Customs and Immigration and provides support in other areas when necessary, they added.

Students raised concerns about the locking of gates at various Police stations, saying that it is the duty of the Police officers to protect citizens.

This question was also addressed and the representative of the Police Force said that this is done so as to protect the Police officers since there have been attacks on the stations and Police have been targeted and murdered.

It was also suggested that the Police Force implement a zero tolerance campaign against crime in the country as it is felt that this would help alleviate the situation.

Bishop Juan Edghill, who chaired the proceedings, said he was pleased that the students came forward and expressed themselves.

He assured the students that their recommendations would be included in the final report, which will be submitted to President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Participants were given questionnaires to fill out which sought to solicit their views and additional recommendations on the efforts made by the two Disciplined Services to curb crime and whatever else can be done to alleviate the situation.

The consultation was part of a series been planned by the National Steering Committee on Crime.

The committee was established following the National Consultation on Crime organized by the Office of the President on August 22, 2002 at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The committee comprises members of political parties, who were at the meeting and representatives of civil society, including the private sector, the Trades Union Congress, religious organisations and the legal fraternity.

Initially, 25 consultations were planned by the committee which were held in various regions, but due to poor turnout at the target group meetings an extension period was granted.

Consultations have been held on the East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Bank Demerara, West Berbice, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Upper Corentyne, Soesdyke, Anna Regina and Charity.