| Although challenged by an alarming staff turn-over rate which peaked last year, the City Constabulary is prepared to utilize available resources to the fullest, even as staff hope that there will be a marked improvement in its operation this year.This disclosure was made by Chief Constable, Andrew Foo, during an interview with this publication. At the moment the ConstabularyChief Constable Andrew Foohas a shortfall of just about 154, as according to Foo the ideal manpower strength is 314. The most recent recruitment drive was held two years ago and a number of those recruited have gravitated to other service-oriented careers.Currently there are 160 Constables on the municipal payroll; 77 of whom are delegated to rotational duty between the markets, day- care centres and other entities that fall under the governance of the municipality.Constables are also tasked with supporting various departments of the municipality; undertaking roles such as escorts and internal security.Another four ranks, according to Foo, are delegated to monitoring sections of the city which have been impacted by a heavy presence of litter.As part of its mandate, the City Constabulary is required to ensure that persons do not litter the city, an undertaking which has been very challenging given the limited human resources available to the Department. It is for this reason, Foo said, that the municipality is seeking the support of members of the public in undertaking its litter prevention duty. Among the areas that have been extremely challenging of recent is the Stabroek Market Car Park, which Foo described as “a very contentious area.” Notwithstanding this , the Constabulary has a responsibility and we are depending on not only the police,Bruno Caboclo Raptors Jersey, but we are appealing to all members of the public to report these acts when they see them occurring and we will act on it.”The Constabulary’s jurisdiction is bordered by Industry to the East, Agricola to the south, the Demerara River to the West and the Atlantic to the north. However,Josh Reynolds Youth Jersey, three of the City Constabulary’s five vehicles are currently non-operational; and its bicycle patrol has become defunct.In addition to the evident shortcomings, Foo said that employed Constables leave mainly because of the financial state of the municipality.“We need to be more aggressive and proactive and I hope with the assistance of the administration and the Public Relations Department we can appeal to more persons.” At the moment more females apply and remain on the job, Foo said, pointing to the fact that there is no discrimination in the employment process.The employment of more females than males is however not unique to the Constabulary, as according to Foo, this is evident in a number of other service-oriented professions. “The reason we have this development could be because we are confined to hiring people within Georgetown alone, since we do not have accommodation which is something we need to look at,” Foo asserted.However, he is optimistic that with plans afoot for this year, persons will be able to gain a better understanding of the Constabulary’s operation and be encouraged to join its ranks.Dedicated City Constables“We need people to understand the role of the Constabulary because I don’t think a lot of people understand. The Municipal Act Chapter 28:01 and the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act 802,Tedric Thompson Seahawks Jersey, give the Constabulary similar powers and authority as that of the Guyana Police Force,Harrison Butker Youth Jersey, once an offence is committed within the city. At the moment,Sidney Jones Jersey, he said, that the Constabulary has a working relationship with the Police Force,NCAA Basketball Jerseys, which according to him has the technical capacity to better tackle certain offences. However, the Constabulary has been called upon occasionally to give evidence in court.“If there is need for assistance there are open lines…once the information is out about the Constabulary and Council is able to addressed the shortcomings and revamp our image we expect things to improve.” |
