There should be more undercover officers on our streets

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
Security reforms are underway and I feel a kind of apprehension among some people. They are beginning to get nervous. It is only the guilty or schemers who are fearful about being under the microscope. Guyana can get even more serious as regards crime-fighting.
I suggest undercover work, which can help nab petty thieves posing as innocent bystanders. One of the most notable exceptions to uniformed duty is undercover work, arguably the most problematic area of law enforcement.
Undercover work is one of the most unique investigative techniques available to law enforcement. The theory behind not wearing a uniform is that it removes any impediments to acquiring information, observing and making arrests.
It is really a part of the same intelligence-gathering function as surveillance, eavesdropping, use of informants, and espionage. It typically involves an assumed identity for a defined and considerable amount of time. Undercover work requires secrecy and maturity. It allows the police officer to be present in areas where the police are not ordinarily welcome.
Undercover officers can easily make a strong case to enable a successful prosecution.
A few days ago, a raid was made, as police conducted an early morning search in East and West Ruimveldt and East La Penitence, Georgetown, during which 10 buildings were cordoned and searched. One flat screen TV, one laptop computer, seven DVD players, one playstation, and a motorcycle – all suspected to be stolen or unlawfully obtained, were raked in.
In addition, a nipper and a pair of military boots were found by police. This raid also nabbed six men who are now in police custody, pending investigations into armed robbery and break and enter and larceny. So my suggestion is that the police raids can go hand in hand with good undercover work.
Yours sincerely,
Dervent Williams

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