Police should respond to crime reports in a timely manner

Dear Editor, A letter written by me was published in the Stabroek News on December 10, in which I mentioned the slow or no response to reports of crime made at the Aurora Police Station (‘Increase in crime in Good Hope-Supenaam area’). Well from then to now I have been receiving many calls from persons who are also concerned about that situation.

But on December 13 and in subsequent editions, the newspapers carried headlines about a heavily armed 14member gang storming a Corentyne cambio dealer’s home, where they took $20 million in cash as well as jewellery. One of the gang members was an expoliceman. The police response, it was reported to SN by a witness, took over an hour. When I read that story I had to pause and read over some paragraphs, one of which tells you about the weapons, the sledgehammer, the time it occurred, and the distance from the crime scene to the Springlands Police Station. I reckon that the Springlands Police Station because of its location would be well staffed and manned by the most dedicated, disciplined, courageous and experienced officers.

The amount of spent shells found at the scene would wake up the entire neighourhood, not forgetting the sledgehammer used on the grill seen in the photographs. In this day and age when every home has at least one cell phone, there is no doubt that calls from residents would be made to the police station at Springlands.

The crime rate being as it is, I am sure that Springlands would have at least four telephones. I also know that there are some Commanders who are happy to let members of the community, especially businessmen, have their cell phone numbers, the reason for which is to call them in time of need anytime during the day or night.

Every year the budget allocated for the Ministry of Home Affairs increases as expected, a lot of which is spent on communication and transportation, both on land and water. The Public Security Minister even before he took up that portfolio was always concerned about the crime rate in the country. Talking to him, he would always suggest ways and action to be taken to reduce the rate.

I am certain he will order an investigation to determine why the police response was so poor in relation to the robbery on that dreadful night, and while the findings may not be made public for obvious reasons, it would go a long, long way to prevent a recurrence.

It is unreasonable to expect the police to solve every crime committed; it is reasonable to expect that they respond to each and every report in a timely manner. Yours faithfully, Archie W Cordis