Police Force zeros in on unprofessional behaviour

Aug 28, 2016 News

– 15 ranks dismissed, 24 before the courts for the year
As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) aims to build and sustain a relationship with members of the public, it has been taking decisive action against its own who are accused of unprofessional conduct, in an effort to regain the

Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine

public’s trust.
For the year, 15 ranks have been dismissed by the force—six for corrupt transactions, two for rape, three for narcotic-related offences and four for simple larceny—while 24 are before the court for matters ranging from attempted murder to assault.
In 2015, 12 ranks were dismissed—seven for corrupt transactions, two for firearm- related offences, two for narcotic-related offences and one for another offence of assault, while 21 ranks were interdicted for offences ranging from conspiracy to commit murder to assault.
Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine recounted that many years ago, there were questions about whether the force was competent or possessed the willingness to investigate and prosecute its own but today, this has changed, and there are statistics to show.
The Commissioner (ag) pointed out that there is a long line of applicants waiting to join the force, some with Degrees and Diplomas, hence, there will be no hesitation to let go of corrupted ranks.
“I want to make this point to all members of the force and potential entrants, particularly at the junior level. You take the training and graduate and behave as though you are God onto yourself, you are going to besmirch the image of the force—not understanding that the image of the country is at stake by your action—we are not going to keep you.”
He explained that 35 investigative officers from the Police’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) have benefited from a British-sponsored International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Programme (ICITAP), which has resulted in adaptation of a series on anti-corruption measures.
OPR investigates all reports made against policemen and women.
ICITAP works with foreign governments to develop professional and transparent law enforcement institutions that protect human rights, combat corruption, and reduce the threat of transnational crime and terrorism. The programme provides international development assistance that supports both national security and foreign policy objectives.
ICITAP programmes are designed in partnership with the host countries, and programme implementation methods include on-the-ground, pre-programme assessments; programme planning, management and review; curriculum development; classroom training, seminars, and workshops; internships; equipment donations; donor coordination; and on-the-job training and mentoring provided by embedded long-term advisors.
The acting Top Cop stressed that the force is a public force and it serves the public. He is asking members of the public to stop disregarding corrupt police officers and follow through with the report until justice is served.
Ramnarine highlighted two recent cases—one where a detective and a rural constable were involved in corrupt transactions with agents on Church Street and the second case involving a serving member of the force, posing as a bandit, to rob peaceful people seeking relaxation on the seawall.
He said that the culprits will be dealt with condignly.

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