The Ministry of Home Affairs which has oversight of the security sector, wants a comprehensive review of personnel, access controls, supervisory arrangements, and operational procedures at the Government’s Safe Country Command Centre, which has access to all of the Government’s CCTV cameras across the country.
The Ministry’s call for the review follows an alleged recent breach of the system that has led to criminal charges being filed against a Police Constable who was stationed at the Command Centre and the Opposition Leader, who has been accused of allegedly paying a bribe to the Police Constable after he allegedly provided him with footage from the Command Centre.
A second Police Officer is still under investigation in connection with the same case.
In a statement on Sunday night, the Ministry of Home Affairs said a review of the Command Centre will establish the extent of the breach, identify any failures of conduct or oversight, and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
The Ministry noted that the findings will also guide stronger security controls, tighter supervision, rigorous enforcement of procedures, and the adoption of best practices to protect sensitive information and strengthen accountability, and will also inform legislative reform.
According to the statement, the alleged unauthorised access to, extraction, and disclosure of surveillance footage from the Guyana Police Force Command Centre, Liliendaal is a matter of grave concern to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the wider National Security Services.
The Ministry said the alleged unauthorised access represents a serious threat to the confidentiality and integrity of Guyana’s law enforcement operations.
It also noted that political office does not confer immunity from investigation, just as political affiliation cannot be a basis for prosecution.
The Ministry said breaches at the Command Centre would constitute an abuse of entrusted access, with the potential to compromise sensitive investigations, undermine operational security, and interfere with the proper administration of justice.
It raises fundamental questions about adherence to the standard operating procedures governing the Command Centre and the adequacy of safeguards protecting sensitive information.
There are reports that a number of senior Police Officers and Government officials have had access to the CCTV streams at the Command Centre.
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