The government is investing in police officers’ welfare and professional development to strengthen the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) capacity to serve the public.
The Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond said on the most recent ‘Starting Point’ Podcast.
“We are investing as government in the welfare of all of our police officers, brand new facilities, accommodation,” she said.
She noted that the force’s strength has grown to almost 8,000, with more people expressing an interest in joining. Despite this, educational requirements are being maintained and central to the recruitment process.
Officers are also being encouraged to pursue further studies, which can create opportunities for promotion and higher salaries.
The government recently engaged the ranks on how to use the financial system to improve their financial standing legally, including through savings, bonds, and property investments.
The aim, she explained, is to help officers build financial security throughout their careers and leave the force better equipped to support themselves and their families.
Minister Walrond also added that access to favourable mortgage rates and credit union loans are allowing officers to consider home ownership at a younger age without placing an excessive burden on their finances.
“So, it’s not just about salary, it’s about the fact that your loans and mortgages are below the national levels,” Walrond said.
Accommodation and transportation are also provided for ranks serving away from their home communities, she added. The minister linked these benefits to growing interest in policing as a career, saying young people were increasingly recognising opportunities for education, advancement and financial stability within the force.
She said officers’ welfare must remain a priority, given the demands of their work and the difficult situations they encounter while serving the public.
“Welfare is never… and should not be an afterthought,” she said.