Police Force breaks war on corrupt practices involving ranks

The Commissioner said "a Policeman is a person who does not engage in such things and constant reminders are necessary. We are leading from the front and we are engaging the Divisional Commanders and reminding them that they have to constantly engage with the ranks and remind them that our image is something that we must be concerned with". 

Police Force breaks war on corrupt practices involving ranks

Police Commissioner Leslie James today declared that corruption must become something of the past in the Guyana Police Force, and he has been explaining that to ranks across the country during his divisional visits.

The Police Commissioner told reporters today that his Force is looking to greatly reduce corrupt activities involving its ranks, but while eradication would be ideal, reduction is more likely.

Commissioner James said it must be understood that someone taking part in a corrupt activity would have made a personal choice and its usually two persons make personal decisions.

“Corruption is a decision made by individuals. It’s not for the want of training that ranks would get involved in corruption. It is a decision and I want to make it clear and I want to make a call to our citizens, without an offer, there cannot be an acceptance and I would urge persons who do not have their documents in place, to have your documents fully enforced and if you do not have a permit to carry tint, ensure you obtain the requisite permit and other things. Use the road safely and so you would have any reason to be stopped by a Policeman. But as I have said, if you do not have an offer, you cannot have acceptance”, Police Commissioner James said.

He said there are never reports of Policemen going into the pockets of citizens, so therefore citizens must play their part in curbing the problem.

Mr. James noted that the top brass of the Police Force has been reminding the ranks of their professionalism and all that is expected of them as Police Officers. There have been complaints about Police ranks, especially traffic officers, demanding bribes from motorists or accepting bribes from motorists during traffic stops.

The Police Force has started to publish the names and photographs of its traffic ranks in the various divisions, on its Facebook page.

The Commissioner said “a Policeman is a person who does not engage in such things and constant reminders are necessary. We are leading from the front and we are engaging the Divisional Commanders and reminding them that they have to constantly engage with the ranks and remind them that our image is something that we must be concerned with”.

The Police Commissioner also explained that many persons do not report cases of Police corrupt activities.

He made a call for more of those complaints to be filed if and when they take place, but noted that as part of the reform process, the Force will be paying extra attention to weed out and reduce corrupt activities that might include its members.

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