PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday swore in the five-member Police Service Commission during which he observed that public trust in the Police Force and the need for Security Sector Reform have become more urgent following the presentation of the Report into the circumstances surrounding the killing of eight miners at Lindo Creek.

The Head of State noted that the Report which was presented to him last week raised troubling questions about the role of the Defence and Police Forces during the ‘troubles’ and the reticence of the political administration of the day to provide useful evidence to the Commission of Inquiry into the massacre. He again stressed that the ‘troubles’ was a dark period in our country’s history and that the inability of the Police to arrest the outbreak of criminal violence quickly led to the emergence of so-called ‘phantom’ death squads.

The issue of public trust in the Police Force has been a longstanding one and in 2016 a USAID Report on Guyana said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is the institution least trusted. The GPF which was established during the colonial period (1839), though having the motto “Service and Protection” through the years has meant different things, and not necessarily to the well-being of the citizens. Where in colonial period it meant not only the maintenance of law and order, but also keeping the colonised ‘in their place’ and ‘protecting’ the colonisers from the colonized; the evolving relationship between the police and citizens have been tepid at best and stormy at worse.

The police are product of the society, will operate within the framework allowed, and often take their cue from the prevailing political dynamics. The Force has never been socialised to see itself as part of the masses with equal responsibility to serve and protect as the leadership, but that of the masses being suspects to be contained at all cost. And this perception has seen the Force’s utilisation of methods and measures which often times are inconsistent with modern policing.

Negative perceptions of the force are informed by police brutality, ineffective crime fighting strategy, extra-judicial killings, court jackets being misplaced, high loss of cases in the court, bribery, always wanting ‘a tap-up,’ and hostile community interaction, as the most notable. In each instance with application of modern policing techniques, including acceptable universal standard operational procedures, respect for laws and human rights as well as proper remuneration, negative perceptions can be reduced.

Current efforts through training in ethics and improved public relations strategy, along with partnership training with developed countries are noted. Recent released statistics showing comparative decline in serious crimes are also positive. While these are aiding in building positive perception, where almost all in society sees the Force in a negative light, it requires holistic structured approach in reducing such perception.

Besides, the Force is designed to be a professional institution and if this is to be maintained, it requires necessary investment to treat it as such. Avenues have to be pursued to attract professionals and salaries can be complemented with incentives and benefits. There are reports addressing the modernisation of the Force. The Disciplined Services Commission Report (2003) was unanimously approved by the National Assembly in 2010. There is the Linden Commission of Inquiry Report (2013) into the 18th July, 2012, police shooting and now the Security Sector Reform Strategy. These are incisive reports, achieved and borne at cost to the State, deserving of attention and their recommendations implemented.

Though negative perceptions of the police are not unique to Guyana, as evident in countries such as Jamaica and the United States (U.S), Guyana must not be unique in not addressing same. Where citizens in the U.S have mobilised and are organised in addressing police excesses and poor police/community relations, addressing these repressive aspects of policing get fillip when political leadership join the chorus. Since becoming President and even before, President Granger who is also Commander-in-Chief, has been consistent in calling for a professional security force.

He has spoken out against vigilante justice and police shooting of alleged criminals instead of charging and bringing them before the court. He has insisted that every unnatural death would be subject to a coroner’s inquest and has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the work of the sector through his administration accessing more training for ranks and also increased budgetary allocations.

The institution of policing serves an invaluable role in society and it is important that the discharge of responsible relations with the people is improved. Where society is designed on a system of laws, the ability of the Force to honour its motto has to factor in mutual respect for laws, rights of citizens, and the political leadership empowering the institution with requisite skills, training and resources.