Govt. orders probe into sex scandal at Police Academy

Jan 21, 2026 News

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…warns wrongdoers will face full force of the law

(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that it is actively investigating serious allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse of authority, and misconduct at the Guyana Police Force Academy.

In a statement on Tuesday the ministry said it has taken note of the serious allegations and upon receipt of the report, it has immediately directed the Criminal Investigation Department and the Office of Professional Responsibility to commence full investigations into the allegations. “The ministry treats these matters with the utmost seriousness and reiterates its zero-tolerance policy for abuse, exploitation, or misconduct within any agency under its oversight. Any individual, regardless of rank, position, or tenure found to have engaged in wrongdoing will be charged and held fully accountable under the law. At the same time, the ministry remains firmly committed to ensuring that due process is observed and that investigations are conducted thoroughly, fairly, and without interference. The welfare, dignity, and protection of all trainees and officers within the Guyana Police Force remain paramount,” the statement read.

This newspaper reported on Tuesday that amid mounting complaints of sexual harassment of female recruits at the academy, one of the trainees have come forward detailing damning allegations against her instructors and other officials, pointing to what she describes as a culture of exploitation, abuse of authority and institutional silence.

The Guyana Police Force has not responded to queries for a comment on the matter.  It is not the first time these allegations have surfaced against officers manning the police academy. Some of them were investigated last year and were transferred from the college. In this latest complaint, one of the female recruits said sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct at the Training School, located at Eve Leary is out of control. “I wish to bring to your attention a recent incident which occurred on Thursday 15th January, 2026 at the Training School between 23:00 hours and Friday 16th January, 2026 to 03:00 hours.”

The young woman said between the periods mentioned a sergeant was the duty officer and a lance corporal was the subordinate officer and he was assisted by a woman corporal and an apprentice. The recruit detailed that during the period, several identifiable police and unidentifiable males were seen in the compound. “My squaddies (fellow recruits) and I found it strange because no visitors are allowed after 6:00 pm. So, a few of us in the female dorm reach out it to our male classmates via phone and ask what was going on.”

The female recruit said during whatsapp text messages and phone calls they were told that some instructors and other males are taking several female trainees to the instructors’ rooms, gym, instructors office and in their cars. “So, we decided to check the female barracks and we noticed that several females were missing. A few girls and I went downstairs where we reach a few of our male squaddies and we went to check what was going on. We found that several male staff and female trainees were drinking alcohol and some even having sex in the enquiries office and oral sex in the instructors’ office.” The female recruit related.  The female also provided a video recording of what transpired in the instructor’s office. “We the trainee girls and boys are being exploited. Trainees have to do all kinds of things to get by in here, to get passes, not to work nights and to pass the examinations, the males have to pay and purchase expensive alcohol and the females have to do oral, anal and vaginal sex. This is real, can you imagine that my squaddie had to lie to one of the male instructors and told him that she is a virgin and her parents take her for medical check-up just to push him off,” the recruit related.

She noted that in return, to convince her, the instructor offered her to assist her to make her the valedictorian for her batch just to have sex with her. “Ever since the last investigation was done and nothing happened to the staff, they are boasting that they have connections and they are abusing their powers. It’s hard to be here and witness what is happening,” the female recruit noted.  She also listed the suspects and also stated that persons are “covering for them since the last time.”  “I humbly ask, what has to happen here for this situation to stop,” the female recruit enquired before calling on President Irfaan Ali, Walrond and Minister of Human Service, Dr. Vindyha Persaud to intervene and take actions.

Back in November last year Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond had reaffirmed the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. Her statement had come on the heels of allegations involving senior male officers and their female subordinates. Addressing the issue the minister said from the outset of her tenure, she has made it clear that a much higher standard of ethical conduct is required of senior ranks. “I have had this conversation already with the Commissioner…wherever these allegations may arise, especially when it relates to subordinate female officers, it will be dealt with very, very seriously,” Minister Walrond stressed.

Referencing the Sexual Offences Act, the minister emphasised that consent cannot exist where there is a power imbalance. “If the person who has… an alleged relationship, the consent element does not exist if you are in a position of power. That power dynamic removes the element of consent where sex is concerned,” she explained. She added that this principle mirrors provisions concerning minors, “because of her young and tender age, the element of consent does not arise.”

On the subject of officers who are being investigated at the Police Training College, the Minister confirmed that those implicated have been removed from their duties pending disciplinary proceedings. “The matter is before the Office of Professional Responsibility, and they were removed immediately after the report came to our attention,” she said. The home affairs minister acknowledged that while such instances are not the norm, they must nevertheless be addressed decisively. “We have many young and senior female officers who serve with integrity. These instances are not the norm, and when they do arise, we will deal with them very strongly. It should not prevent our female officers from coming forward.” Minister Walrond urged women in the force to speak up, reminding them that the administration stands ready to support and protect their rights.

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• GPF, Oneidge Walrond, Police academy, sex scandal

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