Hicken warns Police of tougher oversight in 2026

Clifton Hicken, Commissioner of Police, has warned ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that stricter accountability measures will be implemented in 2026 as part of a push to curb misconduct and corruption within the Force.

Speaking at the Region 4A Annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Monday, Hicken acknowledged the improvements made in operational performance, particularly in the increased seizure of illegal firearms, drugs, and other illicit items.

“Under operations, it was established for you to increase the seizure of guns, drugs, and everything that is unlawful. That is happening,” Hicken said.

However, he stressed that stricter discipline and adherence to defined roles would be necessary moving forward.

“Traffic police are traffic police, general duty police are general duty police, anti-crime police are anti-crime police,” he said, emphasizing that the phased structure was introduced to prevent internal conflicts and reduce the risk of corruption.

Hicken urged officers to always uphold the highest professional standards and warned that the administration is closely monitoring conduct across all divisions.

“Maintain the posture that we give to you. We already have about 25 police officers before the courts. We don’t want to add to it,” Hicken stated.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Commissioner indicated that accountability measures would become even more stringent. He confirmed that quarterly monitoring and evaluation of police performance has already begun, with stricter controls set to be implemented in the new year.

“For next year, it is going to be more serious,” Hicken warned.

He also cautioned ranks against operating outside established command structures.

“Don’t think that you are going to go to a region and do your own thing. You’re just going to see a message coming to you, and you’re going to come to headquarters for development,” he added.