While the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has made significant strides in improving its public image, the law enforcement entity continues to battle with the “deviant behaviour” of some ranks. Making this disclosure today, was the Commissioner of Police (Acting), Nigel Hoppie.
He was delivering remarks at the Annual Officers Conference, which is being held under the theme “Promoting Improvement of Public Trust and Confidence, Maintenance Safety and Security through Competence, Professionalism and Partnership.”
“We are still battling with the deviant behaviour of some ranks, particularly corruption, but we are dealing with those who would wish to tarnish our image and undermine the great strides we have been making either departmentally or criminally,” Hoppie said in the presence of the President, Dr Irfaan Ali; the Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; the Director of Public Prosecution, Bibi Shalimar Hack; and other departmental heads and members of the disciplined forces.
Hoppie said the Force is dealing with deviant behaviour of its ranks through its decentralized Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The Top Cop reported that more than 40 police ranks are before the courts for various transgressions.
He revealed, “Presently, we have 45 ranks before the courts on various charges inclusive of manslaughter, demanding with menace, assault causing actual bodily harm, murder, simple larceny, causing death by dangerous driving, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Ten ranks were also charged departmentally.”
He urged members of the force to “always be professional in their behaviour and conduct; showing courtesy to the members of the public and to avoid corrupt practices”.
In an impassioned appeal to GPF members, the Top Cop said, “Let us build bridges with the public, and improve our image in order to enhance public trust and confidence that are so essential to good policing”.
Speaking directly to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force, Dr Irfaan Ali, the Commissioner said that despite this challenge and others, the force has prevailed.
“Your Excellency, with high moral and having remained resilient and a responder with determination, despite the challenges, the Guyana Police Force has generally done well during 2021. We have prevailed and discharged our mandate and with the meaningful and tangible support of the Government, our law enforcement partners and other stakeholders. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that citizens feel safe in our country and society,” he said.
