Passenger claims he was turned away from stations seeking to file a report

The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into allegations that a member of the public was turned away from more than one police station while attempting to file a report related to a suitcase mix-up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Force said it had taken note of concerns raised about the incident, which reportedly involved a passenger seeking police assistance after discovering that his luggage had been mistakenly exchanged.

According to the Police Force, the passenger attempted to make a report in order to facilitate further action but was allegedly turned away when he sought assistance.

As a result, the Office of Professional Responsibility has been directed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the complaint and determine whether any breach of Force policy, procedures or professional conduct occurred.

The Police Force stressed that members of the public should not be denied the opportunity to make a report at any police station.

It explained that even when a matter falls outside the jurisdiction of a particular station, officers are still required to receive and properly record the report before referring or transmitting it through the appropriate police channels.

“The report must still be received and properly recorded,” the Force stated, noting that established procedures exist to ensure complaints are addressed regardless of where they are made.

The ranks identified in the complaint have since been rotated for what the Force described as developmental and administrative purposes while the investigation is ongoing.

The Guyana Police Force said it remains committed to professional service delivery, accountability and ensuring that all members of the public are treated with courtesy, fairness and respect when seeking police assistance.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.