Police officer being investigated for breaching SOPs

A police constable is being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility for what purported to be breaches of Standard Operating Procedures in relation to a report of Domestic Violence.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) public relations department, a report was made to the police at Itaballi Check Point by a mother who stated that her daughter was being assaulted by her reputed husband at around 20:00 hours on Friday.

The constable was sent by the subordinate officer-in-charge with a Service firearm, along with the mother. On arrival, the assailant (reputed husband) was contacted and in the intervening process, an argument ensued between the constable and the assailant.

According to eye witnesses, the police officer struck the assailant on his head with the firearm and he fell, after which it is further alleged that the officer discharged a round at the assailant, hitting him in the upper chest.

The victim was taken by the said constable to the Bartica Hospital where he is being treated.

His condition is regarded as serious but stable.

Thereafter, the constable fled.

Stringent efforts were launched during the night to locate the constable who was still in possession of the firearm. He was arrested this morning about 06:00hrs.