No easy way out
Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine
Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine

– police who crash state vehicles made to pay for damage

THE Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force has increased its strength by 125 ranks while the traffic department was boosted with 89 ranks in less than a year, acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine said.

The top cop was at the time speaking at the Force’s 179th Anniversary Award ceremony on Wednesday, when over two dozen police ranks and support elements were recognised for their contributions to law and order.

The special constabulary was also increased by 351 ranks over the last two years.
Ramnarine also said the force recorded a steady decline in complaints against its members. Common complaints include neglect of duty, assault, wrongful arrest, sexual harassment, corrupt practices, police harassment and fraudulent conversion.

Public Relations Officer Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan hands over an incentive and award to a rank who performed exceptionally well in ‘F’ Division

“A preliminary analysis suggests that improved and increased supervision, swift and condign action by the senior leadership of the force, severe punishment, support through speedy and timely legal advice and some degree of reluctance on the part of complainants are the main reasons for this significant decline in complaints,” the top cop said.
Ramnarine also noted that ranks who were at fault in vehicular accidents were also penalised.

“In six months this year, there were 18 occasions where members of the force driving force vehicles were involved in accidents where they were responsible for causing that accident and the damage amounting to some $2,394,000. They have been made to repay, or to pay for the cost of that damage. Some 10 ranks have already completed payments and others have some more time to pay,” he said.

Reminding the officers of the oath they took upon joining the force, Ramnarine said, “We wear the uniform. We have had training and learning and therefore we must conduct ourselves a lot better than we do.”

As such, the acting top cop urged ranks to be more responsible on the roadways while executing their duties.

The force, he said, will no longer tolerate irresponsible behaviour from ranks who continue to breach road rules and called on officers to set examples through good private and public conduct when using the roadways.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Ramnarine stated that of the 44 murders reported for the first half of 2018, 36 of them have been solved.

He reiterated the force’s commitment to serve and protect and called on ranks to use their good judgement.

“Let us continue faithfully. The future is promising. Let us give our best, let us remain unmoved and not be distracted by adverse criticism. Let us strive to conduct ourselves beyond reproach,” he said.

In 1990, the force paid out 824,000 in cash incentives to awardees. This amount has since grown to over $19M this year.

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