The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has been called in to investigate an allegation that Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fizal Karimbaksh obstructed a recent anti-crime operation, the Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken has disclosed.

Police Officers were recently conducting an anti-crime operation when they intercepted a heavily tinted white motor vehicle. However, when the vehicle came to a halt, a female occupant handed the police officers on the ground her cell phone.

A man, who identified himself as the Deputy Commissioner, was heard on the line questioning the Police Ranks about the reason behind their decision to stop the woman’s car, and telling them that their focus should be on crime and not traffic incidents.

Commissioner Hicken said the entire incident is concerning.

“This intervention is concerning because it appears to have been made without verification and outside of the chain of command,” the Police Commissioner said during his appearance on Police Round Up on Sunday.

 Commissioner Hicken said the Guyana Police Force’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 places strong emphasis on professionalism and accountability, and it is expected that when interventions are made, they are done in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

“Senior officers may intervene in anticrime operations but any intervention must be based on situational awareness, and follow established SOPs and standard police orders,” he said.

He said under the Criminal Offences Act, and the Summary Jurisdiction Act, Anti-Crime Officers are lawfully empowered to stop and search vehicles.

The recent incident was captured on camera and leaked to social media.

Commissioner Hicken said the Police Rank was lawfully carrying out his functions, including the stop-and-search exercise.

He said body-cams will continue to be used support the work of the police Force.

“The Guyana Police Force has mandated the use of body worn Cameras as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability and evidence based policing. These devices provide objective real time evidential support, capturing interaction from start to finish,” the Police Commissioner said.

He said any interference in the work of the Force outside the Standard Operating Procedures, will be addressed, and the OPR is expected to conduct a thorough investigation.

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