Five Guyana Prison Service (GPS) officers have completed a one-week ‘Mock Prison Riot’ training in the United States to deal with prison unrest or other emergencies.
The United States (U.S) Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs funded the training. It forms part of the U.S government’s efforts to enhance citizen security through the professionalisation of Guyanese law enforcement and criminal justice systems.
The trained ranks are Cadet Officers, David Wilson and Kevin David, Prison Trade Instructor, Christopher Elias, Prison Officer Elroy Fordice, and Woman Prison Officer Candacy Lynch.
Cadet Officer Wilson reported the training taught him and his colleagues about the newest non-lethal technologies, tactics, and best practices within prison settings.
The 2023 Budget allocated some $100 million for training of 1,500 inmates which will support their rehabilitation and social transformation in preparation for their exit from the prison system.
The Prison said some 400 prison personnel are scheduled to be trained in prison management, to increase the number of certified, and proficient officers of the GPS.
27 recruits joined the Service in March and were required to undergo a 12-week basic training at the Prison Service Training Centre at Timehri.
