PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has said he would examine new protocols for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to receive donations, so that professionalism at the GPF is not compromised.

The intention, he has said, is to establish protocols that stipulate that donations to the GPF be made through the Ministry of Public Security, whereas the current operational protocol states that donations to the GPF must be made to the Commissioner of Police. Minister Ramjattan noted that the current protocol would be enforced in the meantime, so that the professionalism of police officers is not compromised.

Donations from businesses often help to meet an immediate need at police stations or among officers, Minister Ramjattan noted. “Indeed, there are times when the police and/or the CPGs (community policing groups) require the assistance of businessmen, and there are genuine businessmen who give without wanting anything in return, and who will never compromise the professionalism of the Police Force,” the minister pointed out.

However, he emphasized, donations received from businesses do not guarantee donors any protection if they break the law. “We do not want to see businessmen giving and expecting that they, having committed a crime, will now see the CPG group or Police Force compromising the investigation thereafter,” Minister Ramjattan said.

(GINA)