Data-driven strategies central to crime-fighting, says president

As Guyana advances modernisation through technology and digitalisation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has emphasised the importance of data-driven approaches in crime prevention strategies.
The president was at the time addressing local and regional security leaders attending the week-long Prison Service Senior Officers Conference on Monday. He noted that by synchronising vast arrays of information—such as historical crime reports and socio-economic indicators—trends and patterns can be identified, making crime prevention far more effective.
“I hope at this level we are having access to that data that allows us to do the analysis so that we can craft measures… based on reality, based on awareness of what surrounds us,” the President stated.
Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said the Service is taking comprehensive steps to manage its data, with 90 per cent of prisoners’ records and warrants already digitised.
He noted that, in advancing technology, the Prison Service has been working with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) to digitise prisoners’ records, warrants, and staff files.
“All staff records are already digitised, while 90 per cent of prisoners’ records and warrants have been completed, with the remaining records to be finalised shortly,” the Director added.
He further stated that data-driven decision-making forms part of the service’s 10-point improvement plan, which, among other objectives, enhances service delivery, staff efficiency, and planning systems.
He highlighted the completion of the service’s command centre and the implementation of the first phase of the CCTV programme across correctional facilities as major technological achievements last year.