Since the February 23, 2002 jailbreak, Guyana has witnessed an increase in criminal activities including a spate of kidnappings and murders, throughout the country, but more so, residents on the East Coast Demerara have felt the brunt of the attacks.

During this time, several joint operations have been carried out by the Security Forces in areas where criminal activities were prevalent. These operations, which include Operation Plaster of Paris and Operation Tourniquet, have had a fair degree of success.

The joint operations by the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force in Buxton, are expected to continue until criminal activities in the area are eliminated.

The most recent operation, which entails the searching of houses in Buxton, is intended to flush out criminals from the area and eliminate the ‘safe haven’ that has been created in Buxton. The operation so far, has claimed the life of Lance Corporal Dodson, who was gunned down by criminals during the search exercise on May 22. He was the first soldier to die since the crime wave escalated in the country. Government has assertively stated and acted categorically in its resolve to use all available resources in the fight against crime.

Recently, an Ethnic Relations Commission was established to promote harmony and good relations among the various ethnic groups; to eliminate all forms of racial discriminatory practices; to investigate complaints of racial and ethnic discrimination and to promote equal access to all ethnic groups in all public or other services and facilities.

A number of measures were implemented to aid the crime fight including:

§ This year, Government allocated $7.1 Billion to the security sector.

§ The allocation of increased resources to the Police Force for the purchase of improved weaponry, protective equipment and gears, transportation and communication facilities.

§ A comprehensive review of the Intelligence Unit, resulting in its reinforcement. Training in various strategies, tactics and leadership and the use of modern weapons and specialized training to respond to the current crime techniques are ongoing.

§ Existing legislations on crime were reviewed and Parliament approved four anti-crime Amendments to the existing crime laws. Currently, Parliament is considering a Kidnapping Bill.

§ The Acting Commissioner of Police has a dedicated unit for Community Policing Groups. More emphasis has been placed on better coordination between the Police Force and community policing groups. Ranks have also been engaged in forming clubs geared toward engaging youths in activities, which will benefit the society.

§ Rehabilitation of police stations is ongoing across the country.

§ An enhanced welfare package for law enforcement officers was implemented to provide for occupational risks, which benefits the dependants of policemen and women who are killed in encounters with criminals.