Walrond says ‘zero tolerance’ for mistreatment of anyone while in Police custody

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has reaffirmed that there is “no tolerance” for the mistreatment of individuals in Police custody, as authorities continue to probe recent incidents involving alleged misconduct.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a recent event, Walrond said her office treats all such reports with the utmost seriousness.

“I have had to deal with similar kinds of report and they have been dealt with very seriously.

“These things are taken extremely seriously by my office,” Walrond said.

Her comments come in the wake of the death of 30-year-old Otis Payne, who died while in police custody on March 24.

Addressing allegations that Payne was beaten by Police, Walrond said, “We have seen footage that does not bear credence to that claim.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has launched a separate investigation into a video circulating on social media, which appears to show an off-duty Assistant Superintendent of Police engaged in a confrontation with a civilian and using threatening language.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Force said the matter was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, who has since directed the Office of Professional Responsibility to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.

The Police Force emphasized that the conduct displayed in the video is being treated seriously, noting that all ranks are expected to uphold standards of professionalism, restraint and accountability at all times, whether on or off duty.

“Any behaviour found to be inconsistent with the standards of the Force will be addressed in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures,” the statement said.

The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public trust, stressing that all allegations of misconduct are handled with the seriousness they warrant.