Dear Editor,
The details of the reports relating to police brutality in Guyana have already been well publicized. Editor, the buck ultimately stops at President Ramotar’s desk, but there are two preliminary tiers at which action should be taken.
The first tier is at the level of the Commissioner of Police who should amend policies and procedures, and along with appropriate training and orientation ensure that the policemen and women under his watch follow those new policies and procedures as they relate to the treatment of suspects and/or convicted persons.
The second, but perhaps higher tier is at the level of the Minister of Home Affairs who should urgently review and implement the numerous recommendations that have been advanced on the topic of police brutality (by both local and international agencies).
In essence, police officers are there to serve and protect us, and even in the investigation of crimes, citizens should not feel as if they are on trial; neither should inhabitants feel that they are being profiled, because of their race, class or ethnicity.
Finally, I wish to suggest that Ministry of Home Affairs officials and designated police officers should initiate and institutionalize outreach activities and interactions with communities across the country in order to mend relations.
Yours faithfully,
Morris Wilson
