RGPF embarks on initiative to handle corruption among officers

AS part of its strategic plan, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) is undertaking a campaign to address how corruption suspicion and accusation are handled within the Force as there is a mandate to stamp out corruption amongst its officers.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Dowlin Bartholomew, said: “We have to police ourselves internally and that is what we are attempting to do,” noting that the organisation has had instances of corruption, but has dealt with them accordingly.

“We are taking a number of steps to ensure that accountability is visible and that officers are educated on what is required of them and what can happen if they fail to adhere to policies,” the ACP said.

He envisions a better force five years from now that is modern in its operations and corruption free.

He said, “In the future, we want to have a very professional Force that is driven by problem solving through policing, one that makes use of modern technology, married with everyday police operations to get best results.”

The RGPF also intends to strengthen community policing, which is intended to bridge the gap between the police organisation and the wider community that they serve.

The Police Force also plans to review their recruiting criteria to ensure that appropriate candidates gain entry. ACP Bartholomew said that “this is part of ensuring that we have the best persons within the organisation and that they adhere to the various rules, regulations and standards”.

The activity forms part of the greater public sector reform initiative. (LS)