– Police Commissioner urges commitment, professionalism at opening of training course

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James on Monday said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) would like to see a ‘marked’ change in its officers regarding rampant corruption and other behaviours that negatively affect the reputation of the Force.
“The uniform that you wear speaks to the image of the force. Your conduct; your performance, also speaks to the image of the force,” James said while delivering the feature address at the opening of a training session for police officers, noting that it was not by chance, but “by deliberateness” that the station management and newly-promoted subordinate officers course was put together.

The workshop was opened at the Officers’ Training Centre at Camp Road and Young Street, Eve Leary under the theme, ‘Improving police professionalism through effective training and mentorship’.

Commissioner James made no bones about it that officers should quit the job if they find that they are not comfortable with their salaries. “You came on; you were told what is being offered, and you decided to become an agent of the Force. How come you have an issue with your remuneration?”
James said the GPF would like to see a change in the performances of traffic ranks especially, and would like to hear of less allegations of corruption, or perhaps none at all. He, however, warned that a number of departments in the Force will be engaged to pursue a particular exercise to deal with the “scourge” of not only police officers accepting bribes, but civilians making the offer.

“Every time I hear a policeman taking bribe, it’s always as a result of an offer,” he said, adding: “Once there’s no offer, there can’t be an acceptance. It goes both sides. And let me warn you the civilians, we will be coming after you, those of you who are offering. You can’t be offering to police and then saying the police taking bribe. It is simple: Do not commit offences.”
James said the GPF would like to see commitment in the way officers execute their daily routine, as well as professionalism when they are dealing with each other and members of the public. “From this day forward, we would like to see a marked change with your approach to your police duties. We would like to see a marked change in all of you, and we will be watching you,” James warned.

SUBORDINATES’ PERFORMANCE

The Police Commissioner urged the officers to see that there is no recklessness in the performances of their subordinates and to ensure that they both clearly understand that they have standard operating procedures (SOPs) to follow.

“You have our standing orders to comply with. Don’t be confused in taking action against your subordinates…you must take action. Don’t be chummy with your subordinates. It can confuse you when a decision making time arrives. You have to draw the line,” urged James.
He said decisions made should not be made with emotions, but according to the laws governing the force.

“You are to clearly understand your roles and responsibilities. We will be taking serious actions against the subordinate officers who fail to understand and comply with your SOPs and to perform your duties following your standing orders.”

He further implored the ranks to exude the type of confidence in the performance of their duties as is expected of them. “I’m always concerned when I see a policeman or woman executing their duties in a manner that suggests that he or she is not aware of their functions. Read, and continue reading. Go after knowledge. Read your standing orders. Read the laws. We have libraries.”

James pointed out how the GPF as an organization is now more effective and efficient with improved domestic security. “At this present time, we have a much more reformed GPF. We will keep pushing this noble organization forward by way of a collective effort.”