‘If you bribe an officer, you’re part of the problem’- President Ali

There continues to be a zero-tolerance policy for bribing law enforcement officers and President Dr Irfaan Ali has issued a stern warning to civilians to desist from doing this to evade the law.

“If you try to bribe an officer you’re part of the problem,” President Ali, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces warned on Wednesday.

Addressing ranks from across the country who gathered at the opening of the Guyana Police Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference, President Ali said the Police have a responsibility to serve and protect the country and its people.

“There are laws that every citizen must adhere to, respect and honour,” President Ali said.

Dr Ali said too that the Police should be all time approachable.

“People must feel comfortable coming to [you].

“People must look at [you] and your uniform and symbol of safety, a symbol of compassion. Not as fear,” Dr Ali said.

The president highlighted critical issues that the Police are involved in such as domestic violence, child safety, and protection.

To handle these cases, he said it requires a different approach and skillset.

As such, he said the Force must be developed so that it can address these issues in the future.

“We want our men and women in unifrom to be elevated. To look at themselves as professional experts in specific areas,” Dr Ali said.