Dear Editor,

A RECENT media briefing held by the Chief Constable of the Georgetown City Constabulary — in which he expressed his disappointment at the behaviour displayed by personnel from a private security firm towards ranks of the City Constabulary during an operation the City Council held to seize four fiberglass swimming pools in Ixora Avenue, Bel Air Park — was indeed quite befuddling.

The first thing that confuses me is his conclusion that the conduct of the members of the private security firm would never be tolerated by the Guyana Police Force. How does he know that? I just don’t understand why the City Constabulary always tries to compare itself with the Guyana Police Force when there could hardly be a parallel drawn between the two law enforcement agencies, or, as in local terminology, they would say that it is like comparing chalk to cheese.

To begin, the rank involved in the altercation with the private security has a history of misconduct, delinquency, and venality to a level that is unimaginable and which would never be tolerated by the Guyana Police Force or by any of its ranks.

Note that none of the members of the private security firm had brandished their weapons, or were as hostile or threatening as this Constabulary rank.

His behaviour was uncalled-for and incongruous. But, then again, every vendor that operates in Georgetown can attest to this type of erratic behaviour being a pattern of this senior officer’s, which the City Constabulary and the City Council constantly condones and, in fact, at the moment, having him act in the most senior positions in the City Constabulary.

In reality, quite recently, this officer had to be arrested by the very Guyana Police Force, the agency that the City Constabulary is seeking to emulate, in a drunken state in Sophia, at the home of a junior rank of the City Constabulary, after beating her mercilessly in a jealous fit of rage whilst brandishing a service pistol that he was carrying. And he was released only after an appeal was made by his superiors and an affidavit was submitted, which the junior was forced to submit.

This officer is just unfit to carry a firearm, and should be allowed to carry only a baton in extreme circumstances. One wonders what he would do shortly, when he is required to hand in his uniform, badge and weapon. But, then again, he may be given the extension he is pleading for, due to the low standards of the City Constabulary.

But back to the attempt being made to compare the City Constabulary with the Guyana Police Force: With a history of missing bail money and ammunition; with the alleged unlawful sexual assault by a degenerate male constable of a male minor who was in custody of the City Constabulary; with their constant demand for bribes from vendors, motorists, home owners; with the tatty uniforms they slovenly wear with their lack of training, they could hardly be compared with the Guyana Police Force.

It is sad that the City Constabulary, which has been in existence even before the Guyana Police Force, would be like castaway step-relatives of the National Police; but if they want to be respected, then they have to respect themselves first by carrying themselves with dignity, pride and professionalism.

And this will have to start with their recruitment process: by hiring law enforcement officials with the academic, moral and spiritual upbringing that can raise or even surpass the standards of the Guyana Police Force.

The City Constabulary needs to improve its ability to tackle crime, give the public protection, and protect vulnerable people before thinking about complaining and comparing themselves to any other agency.

Regards,
JERMAIN JOHNSON