Top Cop urges junior officers’ course graduates to lead with purpose and integrity 

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has challenged graduates of the Third Junior Officers’ Course to embrace greater responsibility, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and serve as transformational leaders capable of strengthening policing across Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

Delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony, Commissioner Hicken reminded the graduates that while the course had come to an end, their leadership journey was only the beginning.

“The true measure of this course will not be determined by today’s ceremony, but by the manner in which you apply its principles in the performance of your daily duties,” the Commissioner stated.

The Commissioner noted that the Junior Officers’ Course, the third to be conducted since the Guyana Police Force Academy attained National Accreditation in 2023 and International Accreditation in 2024, brought together participants from the Guyana Police Force, sister disciplined services, regional law enforcement agencies, and partner institutions.

He said the programme reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ethical leadership, professionalism, and collaboration in public service.

Highlighting one of the programme’s greatest strengths, Commissioner Hicken said the classroom environment encouraged meaningful professional interaction and knowledge sharing among participants from different jurisdictions. He explained that beyond academic instruction, officers were afforded the opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from diverse policing approaches, and establish professional relationships that will strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies throughout the Caribbean.

The Commissioner further noted that throughout the two-month programme, participants openly examined many of the policing challenges affecting their respective countries, including Guyana. He said these discussions revealed that while jurisdictions may differ, many of the issues confronting law enforcement agencies are common across the region.

“One of the most significant lessons emerging from these discussions was the importance of partnerships. Effective policing cannot be achieved in isolation; it depends on strong collaboration with communities, public institutions, civil society, and other key stakeholders,” he said.

Emphasising the role of community engagement in modern policing, Commissioner Hicken urged all participating countries to continue strengthening partnerships with the communities they serve.

“Community involvement must therefore remain a central pillar of modern policing, not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean, as we work together to reduce crime, strengthen public trust, and improve the quality of life for the people we serve.”

The Commissioner also underscored the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to leadership development, describing the Junior Officers’ Course as a strategic priority under the Developing Our People Pillar of the Force’s Strategic Plan 2022–2026. He announced that, under the forthcoming Strategic Plan 2027–2031, the Force intends to introduce a Senior Officers’ Course aimed at strengthening strategic leadership, governance, and organisational oversight.

Reflecting on the graduates’ development over the past two months, Commissioner Hicken commended them for embracing the programme’s rigorous curriculum, which combined theoretical instruction, practical exercises, collaborative learning, and the effective application of technology. He said the experience had enhanced their leadership capacity, communication skills, critical thinking, and confidence to lead.

In his closing remarks, Commissioner Hicken encouraged the graduates to exemplify professionalism and servant leadership throughout their careers.

“Lead with purpose, serve with humility, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and never underestimate the influence of your example. Every decision you make, every challenge you overcome, every standard you uphold, and every person you mentor will shape not only the future of your organisation, but also the confidence that the public places in the institutions we proudly serve.”