IT IS not very often that I get involved in commenting on social issues in Guyana, as there are numerous organisations and individuals who do so, on an almost daily basis. However, in reviewing a recent (Online) Capitol News report, I was spellbound by the manner in which a woman was “MAN HANDLED” (no pun intended) by a police rank in downtown Georgetown, and in clear public view.This behaviour certainly speaks of the distrust that continues to develop between the police and suspecting relatives of persons when they are held in police custody, and wind up beaten or hospitalised.

I know for a fact there are great police officers. I know many because I have had reason to see them do their job in a professional manner. Irrespective of who I am, I’ve met police officers who did not know me from a hole in the wall, and they displayed professionalism at the highest level.
However, this rank has certainly tarnished the image of the good police officers, since the world may have seen this footage and will assume that every Guyanese police officer behaves this way. Look at what inconsiderate police action in Ferguson has created across the United States!
This woman is someone’s child, maybe a wife, and probably a mother. Let us assume that this woman was barely dressed and her clothing not that secured, that officer would have added insult by the woman being exposed in public. Who gave him the right to twist that woman’s arm and tug her like a notorious criminal? As a police officer, he should have known that it was against policy for a male police rank to get that confrontational with a female suspect. This is the reason we have female police officers. I am not condoning what may have been the alleged crime committed by the woman. The fact is that in this day and time when we are seeking justice and equality, especially on the part of women’s rights and non-abuse, the persons responsible for “Serving and Protecting” continue to be the biggest violators.
Congratulations to the Commissioner and Divisional Commanders for their continued outreach in order to establish better relations with our police and communities. However, officers such as the one seen on a video (which is now for the world to see) should be disciplined and re trained in public handling of such situations and incidents.
BOBBY VIEIRA