Fund for surviving children of police killed in line of duty

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 October 2015, 17:57 by GxMedia

Surviving children of police, who have been killed in the line of duty, are to benefit from a fund that would be established shortly, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud announced Saturday.

Addressing the Passing Out Parade of Recruits, he said a businessman would be spearheading the drive to raise money for the fund which would be supervised by a faith-based committee.

“I  currently talking with members of the Cops and Faith Community Network and a local businessman to establish a non-profit organisation that will be dedicated to fund the education and general welfare of the children of police officers killed in the line of duty,” he said.

He said that welfare project is expected to begin by month-end by which time resources are expected to flow to recent survivors who are in dire need of support.

The 136 graduates were trained in, among other areas, respect for human rights, police procedures and practices, self-defence and domestic violence.

The Police Commissioner told the graduates that they were entering the world at a time when there are increasing local and global challenges such as climate change and mass movement of people. Despite the many expected challenges in the line of duty, Persaud urged the newly-minted policemen and women to execute their duties diligently and interact with members of the public professionally.

“The people of the communities to which you now will be posted to serve will expect will expect that you will protect them from those who want to do them harm. They will expect that you will be good role models to their children. They will expect that you will make them feel safe , protect their homes, schools and businesses and they will expect that you will do all of that with a smile on your face and a word of courtesy as you pass,” he said.

The Guyana Police Force has over the years experienced grave problems acquiring information on serious crimes due to concerns about confidentiality of sources.

In recent years, the police force has been seeking to improve community relations through social crime prevention programmes and the involvement of faith-based organisations.