A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has strongly condemned the actions of a police rank seen in a widely circulated video recklessly discharging a high-powered rifle along a public roadway in Region One.
The party has described the incident as a “harrowing display of the complete breakdown in law and order under the current administration”.
In the video, the uniformed rank is seen brandishing the rifle and firing shots into the roadway in the presence of civilians. At least two women were forced to intervene physically to restrain him.
In a statement today, the APNU noted that the incident “is not merely a case of individual misconduct” but a “terrifying example of the danger that citizens are exposed to by the very individuals sworn to protect them.”
According to APNU, the act reflects “a systemic failure in the vetting, training, and supervision of ranks,” alleging that politicisation and mismanagement within the security sector have created an environment where “officers feel emboldened to behave like vigilantes in the streets.”
APNU said both the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police must be held accountable for the brazen act.
“We hold the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police directly accountable for this rapid deterioration in standards and call on them to immediately outline a credible plan to restore discipline and sanity to the Force before more innocent lives are put at risk,” the party said.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has confirmed that it has launched an immediate investigation into the incident.
In its official statement, the GPF said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a “thorough investigation” and that the rank has been placed under close arrest. The Office of Professional Responsibility has been instructed to conduct a detailed probe to determine the full extent of disciplinary and criminal action to be taken.
The Force says that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
