Even as he applauded the work of Police Officers in crime fighting over the past year, Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken today warned Senior and Junior Police Officers that there will be consequences to the breaching of the standard operating procedures of the Force.
Speaking at the Police Force’s Award Ceremony this morning, Mr. Hicken said Police Officers ought to be reminded that their job is to serve, and not to be served.
“Ethical standards and professionalism are considered the hallmark and there will be non-acceptance and non-tolerance for members of the Force, at all levels and any level, who breach SOPs and procedures. You are employed to serve and not to be served”, Hicken said.
The warning from the Police Commissioner comes on the heels of continuing claims by some members of the public of harassment and bribe-taking by cops.
There has also been a growing trend of some Police Officers coming under attack while carrying out their duties. The Acting Commissioner said senior ranks must ease their way out of their offices more.
He said “the days to be sitting in the offices have long gone, that is not contemporary policing. Your duties as Commanders and Head of Departments, are to ensure the ranks under your command interact with the public. The public is who we were designed to serve and so you will continue to build those bridges, and you will develop relationships with communities”.
Mr. Hicken said members of the Guyana Police Force must focus more on serving the public and build bridges, rather than erect barriers.
At today’s Police Anniversary awards, the Criminal Investigations Department won the most prizes with special cash awards handed out for the solving of murders, trafficking in persons, finding and seizure of firearms and narcotics.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login