The Executive of the Police Association has launched a series of visits to police stations and departments in order to address misconduct by some ranks that is damaging the credibility of members of the force.
In a statement to mark its 60th anniversary, the association noted that it was concerned about the attitude of some errant police ranks, who continue to deviate from the acceptable norms and Police Standing Orders. It said they engaged in “in venalities, inappropriate conduct and other transgressions” and “stigmatise the organisation and bring into disrepute the credibility of the many hard working and creditable men/women in the organisation.”
According to the statement, with this situation in view, visits have been launched to appraise the membership of the police force. Visits have been made to stations in ‘G’ Division (Essequibo) and parts of ‘E&F’ Division, in the Bartica and Makouria areas.
During the visits, the association emphasised the need for ranks to comply with legitimate and judicious expectations in the execution of their duties and adherence to their oath of office and Police Standing Orders.
Further, the association said it drew to the attention of its members, especially supervisors, that recalcitrant ranks must be dealt with condignly under the Police Discipline Act 1975 Chapter 17:01.
While commending the hard-working men and women in the force, the association reminded its members of their modus operandi in the provision of quality service and urged them to build upon those positive aspects as well as to improve or change those aspects of personal behaviour that are incompatible with and contravene the organisation’s mandate.
Other issues also addressed during the visits were the preparations for the upcoming elections, the care and custody of prisoners, the use of force, juveniles, the Sexual Offences Act, domestic violence, police/community relations, response time to reports, corruption and human rights.
Meanwhile, the association pointed out that crime is a social phenomenon and its prevention is the responsibility of every part of society.
It was noted that the police by themselves can offer no “panacea for criminal behaviour among other factors, as the causes of crime are rooted in social problems.” As a result, the association called on its members to have more interactions with the communities, including community policing groups and station management committees as well as more participation in police/community relations activities in order to enhance the law enforcement relationships.
It added that while it is cognisant of the challenges, members ought to consolidate the gains achieved over the years and to embrace fully the modernisation, training and capacity building that is taking place under the guidance of the Commis-sioner of Police and his management team.
