‘We do not want reckless endangerment’ – Benn tells police officers

Since 2016, no member of the Guyana Police Force died in the line of duty.

On Sunday, however, senior officers and junior ranks gathered with family members and friends of 65 ranks who were killed while carrying out their duties between 1913 to 2016.

It was at that wreath-laying ceremony for fallen heroes at the Police Officers’ Mess compound, Eve Leary, that Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn cautioned ranks against reckless endangerment.

He said the government was currently working on ensuring improvements throughout the force.

“We do not want to have situations where members of the force are placed in positions of reckless endangerment.

“The questions of improvement of equipment, assets, housing are ones which we are working on diligently… the overall welfare of officers is paramount,” Benn told the gathering.

He said it was important to have introspection on the service of the Guyana Police Force but noted that at any point of danger ranks must always question the sacrifice and when engaging to always take the most appropriate action to ensure both personal safety and also the safety and security of the country.

“We do not want reckless endangerment.

“We want a well-equipped, well-trained, responsible Guyana Police Force without loss of life or incapacitation,” Benn added.

The Minister, however, thanked those who have laid down their lives while facing the unexpected and the families they have left behind to deal with trauma.

“Why would policemen stand up and face the danger and not run away even in the moment but to have laid down and made supreme sacrifice?” he quizzed.

Almost half of those ranks who died in the line of duty lost their lives during the 2002 to 2008 crime wave.

Minister Benn noted the government continued support for the efforts of the Fallen Heroes Foundation.

“We have the children and the relatives, and we stand ready to make proper interventions and help in respect of the care and comfort of the families and, also, to other policemen and women who may have suffered physical disability as a result of injuries in the line of duty,” Minister Benn said.