The Ministry of Public Security traditionally has responsibility for internal security and immigration. This responsibility is discharged primarily through the Ministry as well as its semi autonomous agencies, namely the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service and the Police Complaints Authority. Over the years, the Ministry has seen a number of changes in terms of its functions, but the core responsibilities and services agencies, have remained intact. The Ministry is therefore responsible for formulating and evaluating public order and safety policies aimed at protecting and maintaining the ‘social fabric’ of the country.

In addition to the oversight responsibilities of MOPS, the Ministry exerts influence over a myriad of security issues through its association with a number of multiagency sectoral committees and task forces. Included in this group of security focused bodies are(a) National Commission of Law and Order; (b) National Road Safety Council; (c) National Security Committee; (d) Council for National Security and Law Enforcement; (e) Security Policy Advisory Committee; (f) Policy Committee for Crime and Social Observatory; (g) House of Criminal and Civil Justice System; (h) Task force on Narcotics and Illicit Weapons; (i) Task force on the smuggling of Illicit Fuel and Contraband. The Ministry, through these forums, is able to contribute to security related solutions at the local, regional and international level.