In light of recent attacks meted out to officers of the Guyana Police Force by members of the police, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken has noted that there will be a zero-tolerance approach towards such behaviour.
Hicken, while meeting with Traffic Ranks of Regional Divisions 4 ‘A’ and 4 ‘C’ on Monday, also reminded them of the importance of maintaining professionalism while discharging their duties despite the challenges they face.
Alluding to the Force’s motto, ‘Service and Protection’, Hicken told the ranks they should remember and be continually guided by the Force’s Standard Operating Procedures, which must be strictly adhered to at all times.
According to a press release from Police Headquarters, the Top Cop made it clear that he is aware of recent incidents of aggressive and abusive attacks meted out to ranks while carrying out their duties.
“The Top Cop declared that there will be a zero-tolerance approach in this regard and is asking the public to desist from such behaviour,” the release noted.
Within the last two weeks, there were at least three reported cases of civilians assaulting ranks whilst on duty.
Okemi Omali Harry of Middle Street, Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara was arrested on November 26 after a video surfaced on social media of him attacking an officer at the Montrose, East Coast Demerara.
On November 24, Nicholas Balkishun of Best Road, West Coast Demerara was charged with assault committed on a police officer after he was also seen in a video assaulting an officer at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.
And on November 22, two teenagers were arrested for assaulting a Berbice police officer who was at the time performing duties at a pedestrian crossing on Republic Road, New Amsterdam.
Hicken said this behaviour would not be tolerated, and anyone who feels they can assault and attack the Police while carrying out their sworn duty to serve and protect will face the full brunt of the law.
