Dear Editor,
The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News on Sunday October 16, 2011, under the caption `Public lashes out at Police Force for perceived abuse of authority’.
The Guyana Police Force is fully cognizant of the stipulated period for detention in the Constitution of 72 hours.
The Divisional and Branch Commanders are fully abreast of the requirements in this respect. Detention beyond also has a Constitutional provision of approach to the High Court for an extension.
At all stations and branches where persons are detained as prisoners, a prisoner’s state is prepared to advise the Commanders concerned of detention periods. There is no excuse for holding a person under investigation beyond the stipulated time frame without recourse to the High Court. Once such instances are reported, immediate action is taken to release the prisoner and to launch an investigation into the prolonged detention. Arbitrary detention is never tolerated and there is no intention to abuse power.
Attorneys-at-Law whose clients have been arbitrarily detained may approach the Courts by way of Habeas Corpus for redress for their clients if they are so instructed or inclined, or may make a complaint to the Divisional Commander or Office of the Commissioner of Police to have the matter investigated.
Yours faithfully,
Ivelaw Whittaker
Public Relations and Press Officer
