| “Our privileges and immunities are the same powers like the national police force, except we operate within the boundaries of the 18 square miles of Georgetown and all being equal, efforts are in train to return the respect lost over the years for the City Constabulary Department.” – Stephen BaileyBy Mondale SmithWhile it is commonly believed that City Constables are only employed to guard markets, Acting Chief Constable Stephen Bailey begs to differ. He says all being equal, that image will soon be changed for the better.Acting Chief Constable Stephen BaileySpeaking exclusively to Kaieteur News, the Miami-trained Bailey said his unit is tasked with ensuring laws are maintained with the purpose to serve, protect, prevent and detect crime and where necessary, apprehend perpetrators.“We arrest, process and prosecute offenders of the law. Our privileges and immunities are the same powers like the national police force, except we operate within the boundaries of the 18 square miles of Georgetown and all being equal, efforts are in train to regain the respect lost over the years for the City Constabulary Department.”To make this a reality, Bailey revealed that among the plans are a proposal before council for approval to effect change that ensures that the constabulary ranks and department move beyond being called “greens police and/or market constables.“We are more than market constables, with powers equivalent to that of our sister service, the Guyana Police Force – with equal powers to arrest, detain and prosecute offenders against any law committed in the city.”Among the changes that are expected will be the City Constabulary being renamed the Georgetown City Police Department by the end of the year.The unit is supposed to have at least 300 ranks, but while the acting Chief did not wish to share the actual current strength of the City Police Department, this publication understands that it stands at less than 200.Bailey noted that New York has its own city police department, “and Miami where I was trained… and Guyana has had its own since 1837”. However, he noted that the local entity was unable in the past to attract persons of a certain level because of resources and other issues.“But I’m happy to announce that those were issues of the past which are now resolved, allowing us to present ourselves as who we really are, city policemen and women.”A recent graduating batch of City Constables.The Georgetown boundaries are all areas bounded on the north by the Atlantic, on the east by the eastern boundary of Company Path, on the eastern side of plantation Cummingsburg, Lodge, Houston and Rome, and on the south by the southern boundary of Plantation Rome and on the west by the Demerara River.CITY POLICING FOR CHRISTMASMeanwhile, as regards Christmas preparations, Bailey assured that plans are in train for beefed-up city policing in non-traditional areas, as well as traditional ones. Those areas include Kitty, Campbellville, Belair and Agricola – away from central Georgetown.“For Christmas it requires more policing because of increased economic activities in the economic zone. Our proposal is to examine the new security needs at that time and to create a plan to ensure that all is well during the busy season. We are separate and apart from the Guyana Police Force, but we work together.”In noting that the City Constabulary is aware of the police security and traffic plans for Christmas, and will be doing likewise, Bailey reminded citizens that the Unit has already commenced the posture of its ranks displaying zero tolerance for littering.He also appealed to all residents and visitors of the city to cooperate or face the full brunt of the law, which includes but is not limited to fines and jail time after due process.The City Constabulary, as part of the Christmas plan, will also be enforcing laws against noise nuisances, larceny, encumbrances and obstructions, and will be arresting for serious felonies and handing over the perpetrators to the national police who have the resources to handle such cases.“Our ultimate aim is to man the city in terms of the upholding of the laws.”The City Constabulary was part of the Joint Services, but had been taken off because of inaction. However, according to Bailey, plans are afoot to reenter the circle.The Constabulary, a department in the Mayor and City Council, is made up of sections such as the bicycle unit and is engaged in court processing, special investigation and training. The bottom entry level used when employing is at least a secondary education, and after plans are approved by the constabulary, there will be a major recruitment drive. |
