TRAFFIC Chief Hugh Denhert, joining in the efforts to tackle bribery within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), has appealed to the public not to pay any money.

He was reacting to numerous complaints by citizens, including from a reporter attached to the State-owned Guyana Chronicle.
The Police Superintendent of Police noted that they have employed several sting operations which were executed by a different department within the GPF and had successes but there is need for continuation.

“If a traffic cop stops you on the road while you are driving and you feel that their course of action did not warrant a ticket, do not pay the Police but go to the station and ask to speak to an officer or a supervisor.” – Traffic Chief

He said people cannot give the Police money and still talk about doing the proper thing, by reporting at a station to a supervisor for redress as it relates to any traffic violations.

Denhert maintained it is not advisable to make a commitment to the Police by offering a bribe instead of reporting the matter.
The Traffic Chief said it should be noted that nobody wants to go to Court but people have got to take the necessary action in such matters.
He explained that, when on the road, defaulters are dealing with a constable or traffic cop and, if an individual feels they were wrongly given a ticket or something does not seem right, the thing to do is go to the nearest Police station and seek clarification.

PROVIDE GUIDANCE
Denhert pointed out that, in every Division, there is a Traffic Officer to provide guidance and they are aware of the knowhow, so to speak and accepting cash is totally unacceptable.
The Traffic Chief reiterated that it is against the law to accept bribes and the giver is as guilty as the receiver in such dealings, adding that, once a complaint is made, an investigation follows and, if the rank involved is found culpable, the individual would be dealt with departmentally and as necessary.
He observed that members of the Anti-Crime patrols on motorcycles are performing the duties of traffic ranks but they are not supposed to be doing that since it is not their prime function and he urged that such incidents be reported.
Denhert said, time and time again, those ranks undertake more traffic duties unnecessarily and persons feel harassed.
He advised: “If a traffic cop stops you on the road while you are driving and you feel that their course of action did not warrant a ticket, do not pay the Police but go to the station and ask to speak to an officer or a supervisor.”
When asked about the absence of traffic ranks on the road at nights, Denhert said that, if there is a roadblock one should be there in support of the armed personnel manning it, since they are not carrying arms like the others.

GROSSLY UNDERSTAFFED
He also said the volume of traffic in the night does not require the number like in the day but he acknowledged that the Department is grossly understaffed and the same ranks have to work day and night.
As regards the issue of traffic cops taking possession of drivers’ licences, Denhert said, as long as the document is valid and genuine, there is no reason for a Police rank to take it.
Again, he encouraged licensed drivers to go to the Police station and sort out the matter with a supervisor rather than paying cops.
He, however, made an appeal to all road users to look out for each other, be it a pedestrian, a pedal cyclist or a driver.
Denhert said almost all categories of drivers are guilty of drinking and driving and the widespread habit has become like a style for some people who behave in a reckless manner on the roadway.
The Traffic Chief admonished pedestrians, as well, to be alert and not text on cell phones while crossing the road, since they are the most vulnerable and, like pedal cyclists have no designated lane.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Department reported, yesterday, that for this year, so far, it recorded 43 deaths from 40 road accidents, including five children.
For the corresponding period last year, there were 44 deaths, including five children, from 41 road accidents.

(By Michel Outridge)