Top Cop instructs use of body cams during traffic stops

In a meeting with the Police top brass and ranks in Police District Four, which covers the city of Georgetown, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken warned traffic and patrol ranks to desist from stopping persons on the road without body cameras attached.

He said instead of asking for road license and vehicle fitness certificates, traffic and patrol cops should focus more on positively engaging members of the public.

Police Ranks have been often accused of demanding bribes from drivers during traffic stops, while ranks have often accused their superiors of instructing them to disengage particular drivers during traffic stops.

According to a release from the Guyana Police Force, during the meeting, Mr. Hicken also discussed the ongoing developments taking place in the Force and highlighted the pillars of the Force’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.

He said under the plan, there is emphasis on improving infrastructure, operations, and building meaningful partnerships with the public and all communities across Guyana.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of working together to foster better police-community relationships, which he believes will not only significantly aid in the fight against crime, but will also play an integral role in the development of Guyana and its citizens.

During the meeting, a number of ranks shared concerns with the Commissioner and those concerns were addressed, according to the statement.

In their charge to the ranks, Deputy Commissioners Ravindradat Budhram, Errol Watts, Wendell Blanhum and Simon McBean, shared the same sentiments, emphasising the need for unity and collaboration amongst ranks from the various sections of the Force in the fight against crime.