Police Anti-crime Unit banned from performing traffic-related duties

THE Anti-Crime Unit are to participate in intelligence-led activities and not in traffic-related duties, according to ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, in response to reports received by members of the public.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recognised the concerns raised by members of the public from whom they have received numerous complaints; members of the Anti-Crime Unit, it has been reported, are involved in more traffic-related duties than intelligence–led activities.

As such, ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken told this publication that the difference in their approach will soon be recognised, because they have been banned from executing regular traffic duties.

He said they can still stop and search any vehicle at any given time, but they are not supposed to make impromptu traffic stops asking motorists to produce their documents and so forth, as regular traffic ranks, whose duties entail all traffic-related issues.

The senior superintendent added that they are aware of what was happening and they have put measures in place; those ranks on the GPF-issued motorcycles dressed in dark- blue uniforms are members of a special unit, set up to deal with crimes in specific areas of the city.

He said the ranks have since been thoroughly briefed on their duties and instructed not to participate in regular traffic duties.

It was long observed that members of the Anti-Crime Unit have been harassing motorists on a daily basis, according to reports received by the top brass of the GPF, which prompted a meeting for a change and review of their duties.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Leslie James said if ranks of that unit are observed performing other duties instead of patrolling hotspots and engaging in intelligence-driven probes as they relate to crimes such as armed robberies, etc., they should be reported.