Latest update November 12th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Police need discipline

Oct 30, 2012 Letters

 

 

Dear Editor,
I agree with Adam Harris (KN Oct 28) that the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the July 18 Linden fatal shootings has exposed many shortcomings about the police, and, like him, I doubt whether we will have an honest, disciplined force ever again.
From surveys I conducted in Guyana over the last twenty years, people expressed little confidence in the police and they believe the police are very corrupt – not that all are corrupt, but most of them are looking for “a lil thing” in order to do their work. A large number of them are tied with the kingpins of drug trafficking and are not really committed to policing, but using that profession as a cover to enrich themselves through illicit activities. We need to go back to that era where, as Adam highlights, police get long prison time for stealing a can of shoe polish. Unless the police are held accountable for their actions and performance, they will not become disciplined.  In the U.S, when police misbehave or are involved in corruption, they are prosecuted and many have received harsh penalties.
When the COI finishes its investigations (inquiry) into Linden and pens its report, I expect it to reprimand the police force in its handling of the protest and make recommendations on how it handles protests as well as does its work, especially its record keeping – too many questions were left unanswered.
The log-keeping into policing on that fateful day leaves much to be desired – not that July 18 was any different from any other day, for that is the nature of police work in Guyana.  The police are sloppy in their work ethic and professionalism, and this has been going on since the police force became politicized in the late 1960s with the rise of Burnhamism. We have got to find a way to retrain and professionalize the police.  Discipline is crucial and discipline can only return if those who flout the regulations and engage in criminal behaviour are given severe fines and jail time. All the political forces have got to be on the same page on this issue.  Otherwise, our country is doomed to repeat July 18. I believe Commissioner Brumell is a decent, no-nonsense person, and we should give him support and ideas to transform the force.
As we learnt from the testimony thus far in the COI, the police did not kill or injure the Lindeners.  So I believe the police will be vindicated for the shootings.  Not one iota of evidence has been presented so far to indict the police in the killings, contrary to what the two opposition parties assured us when they demanded the inquiry.
The PNC and AFC informed us that they had the “smoking guns” (evidence – video tape, spent shells, etc.) and we believed them that the police shot the protesters.  Now, we are finding out that the opposition was bluffing and that forces other than the police did the shooting. The AFC brought a ballistic expert from England who, the AFC told us was going to nail the police for the shooting and embarrass the government.  Instead, the expert has exonerated the police saying the bullets don’t match those used by the force and it is the opposition that is now embarrassed and are dissociating themselves from the COI. Regardless of who is blamed for the Linden killing, the police’s handling of the protest leaves much to be desired. It should have been meticulous in its entry recordings for all matters, not just Linden. The shortcomings Adam identifies must be addressed to have a force that will earn the confidence of the population.
Vishnu Bisram

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 11th, 2024

 

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Bent Street settle Back Circle 1-0 to lift Hamilton Green’s Inter-Ward Football KO C/ship

Bent Street settle Back Circle 1-0 to lift Hamilton Green’s...

Nov 12, 2024

Kaieteur Sports- After two days of fierce competition, the 2024 Hamilton Green Inter-Ward/Village Nine-a-side Knockout Football Championship concluded on Sunday with a single goal securing victory...
Read More
GVF /Republic Bank / One Guyana / ‘ B’ Division tournament ends on high note 

GVF /Republic Bank / One Guyana / ‘...

Nov 12, 2024

Savory unbeaten half-century guides Harpy Eagles to tense 2-wicket finish 

Savory unbeaten half-century guides Harpy Eagles...

Nov 12, 2024

ExxonMobil Futsal Championship quarter-finals decided

ExxonMobil Futsal Championship quarter-finals...

Nov 12, 2024

Thrilling Double Header Highlights East Bank Football Association U14 Boys League Action

Thrilling Double Header Highlights East Bank...

Nov 12, 2024

Controversies continue over selection policies of Guyana Cricket Board

Controversies continue over selection policies of...

Nov 12, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]