By Sharda BacchusMinister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, says her top priority is to build a Police Force that is accountable to the people and trusted by the public — a foundation she believes is essential for effective policing and national security.In an exclusive interview with the News Room during her first month in office, Minister Walrond revealed that she has been engaging with the leadership and ranks of the Joint Services, setting a clear tone of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.“They must understand their role. There will be zero tolerance for corruption and the mistreatment of members of the public — all part of the effort to build public trust in the Force,” Walrond declared.As Minister of Home Affairs, Walrond oversees the Joint Services: the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Prison Service, and the Guyana Fire Service.She underscored that the “authority of the uniform” must always come with responsibility. “When people trust the Police, communities become safer and law enforcement becomes more effective,” she said. “An effective Police Force is one where people see the Police as partners in their security and wellbeing.”Drawing from her years as a magistrate, where she presided in the juvenile court, Walrond said the rehabilitation of young offenders remains close to her heart.She has already initiated programmes focused on the total rehabilitation of juveniles who come into contact with the law.“We want to ensure that juveniles, whether offenders or victims, are not changed for the worse but are given the tools and support to lead normal, productive lives,” she explained.Walrond also outlined an ambitious legislative agenda, which includes the introduction of a new Prison Act, amendments to traffic laws to impose stricter penalties, and the operationalisation of the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Bill.“Law and legislation must evolve to treat with the social ills we are dealing with,” she noted.In keeping with the PPP/C Government’s broader manifesto commitments, Walrond identified digitisation as a key pillar of reform — aimed at improving efficiency and reducing bias in public services such as passport processing and birth registration.“Digitisation is a big priority because of the impact it will have on the efficient delivery of services to the people,” she said.Public safety and citizen security, Walrond stressed, remain at the heart of her ministry’s work. While serious crimes have declined, she acknowledged an increase in domestic incidents that require coordinated, multi-stakeholder responses.She credited the government’s Safe City surveillance system for improving crime detection and building public confidence in law enforcement.“This is all part of the effort to make citizens feel safe and secure,” she said.Addressing emerging challenges such as the influx of migrants, Walrond reaffirmed that Guyana remains a welcoming country — but one that insists on structured and lawful integration. Her ministry, she said, is working to regularise migrants so that they can contribute positively to society.As Guyana’s economy and communities expand, Walrond acknowledged the growing need for stronger security networks and deeper community engagement.Reviving and strengthening Community Policing Groups is among her immediate priorities — an effort she believes will rebuild trust between citizens and the Joint Services.“Your safety and security are my concern — and the government’s concern,” Walrond assured. “We are working every day to ensure you have the quality of life where you wake up feeling secure and comfortable, knowing that the Joint Services are here to serve.”The post Walrond’s Mission: Building a Police Force Guyanese can trust appeared first on News Room Guyana.