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840 complaints lodged against police ranks last year
– PCA report
A total of 840 complaints were lodged to the Police Complaints Authority, (PCA) against law enforcement ranks last year.
According to information compiled by the PCA, 251 reports were lodged directly with the PCA and 599 reports were sent to the Office of Professional Responsibility, (OPR).
Additionally, investigations were launched into seven cases of alleged unlawful killings by law enforcement officers for the same period.
As part of their duties last year, officials of the authority visited the various regions conducting a number of public outreaches.
During the first half of the year, the PCA conducted outreaches in Essequibo and Lethem.
Members of the PCA visited the Police Stations in the regions, the various radio/television stations and met with residents.
A team from the PCA also visited Bartica and Linden in the second half of the year.
The PCA also hosted lectures at the Force’s Training Centre with newly promoted subordinate officers and station management officers.
Chairman of the PCA, Justice Cecil Kennard, had noted that the outreach, and training of officers, forms a necessary component of the work of the Authority, since neglect of duty is the most common infraction committed by ranks.
Justice Cecil Kennard
“It remains a top issue among members of the Force,” he said.
Between January 1 and September 30, 2016, the PCA received 145 complaints. Of this number, 135 have been closed. The complaints lodged by the PCA included three corrupt transactions, nine unlawful arrests, two unlawful seizure of property, nine acting in a manner likely to bring discredit on the reputation of the force, four assault, two demanding money to prevent prosecution, two for conducting themselves in an important manner, six wanting in civility to members of the public, eight police misconduct, 10 abuse of power, two threats, ten police harassment, one for conducting himself in an oppressive manner, one use of more force than necessary, and one of abuse.
However of the total complaints, the 68 that dealt with police ranks neglecting their duties represented the majority of complaints reported to the PCA.
Among the complaints against the police for neglect, Justice Kennard said are failure to record or investigate a police report, failure to attend court, failing to make the necessary entry in the station dairy and unlawful violence by the officers , unlawful arrest and detaining people in excess of 72 hours.
The PCA is an independent office which is supported by the constitution to investigate and to make pronouncements reports against members of the GPF.
According to information provided about the work of the PCA, in order for an investigation to be conducted, a complaint must first be lodged at the PCA.
Following this, a statement is taken from the complainant; the police of whom the complaint was made against, is contacted and asked to give an explanation on the said matter by way of statement.
Both the complainant and the accused are entitled to produce a witness or multiple witnesses.
When the investigation is completed recommendations are made and given to the Police Service Commission for the necessary action to be taken.
In cases where the ranks are from Constable to Sergeant, disciplinary hearings are conducted through the Office of the Commissioner of Police. If the ranks are above that of an Inspector and Assistant Commissioner, disciplinary measures will be conducted by the Police Service Commission.
Once policemen are fingered in corruption “they can be charged departmentally or they can be charged and made to face the court.
A number of penalties can be imposed such as a warning, imposing extra duties and/or fines, confinement to the barracks for any period not exceeding 28 days; they can be transferred, be demoted or dismissed.”
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