– orders that the practice cease immediately
POLICE abusing the use of sirens and forcing other drivers off the roadways must cease immediately, says Traffic Chief Superintendent Linden Isles, as Force drivers’ are required by law to adhere to speed limits and remain in their respective lane, even while performing escort duties.
Isles made the observation on Saturday during a special seminar held for Force drivers’ drawn from the ten regional divisions, inclusive of Headquarters.
“Misuse and abuse of police vehicles must stop,” the Traffic Chief warned in the wake of a call by President David Granger for a thorough assessment of the recent fatal accident at Friendship, East Bank Demerara between a police vehicle with a siren and a private car.
Sirens, he said, must only be used in cases of emergency, and not for ordinary duties or simply traversing, as abuse may cause the public to become dismissive.
Though speed has been declared the leading cause of road fatalities in the country, yet still the police are always speeding, which the Traffic Chief attributed to usual lateness.
He reminded participants at the seminar that the standard requirement is to report 15 minutes before the actual time of duty, and that should they adhere to it, there would be no need for speed.
He said that in some exceptional cases, it is better to arrive late than not at all.
“Police are not above the law,” Superintendent Isles said. “Speed limits are erected throughout the country, and Force Drivers must set the example for the public to follow.”
He said that though not all of the Force’s drivers may be errant, members of the Force are not viewed as individuals, and that therefore, they all have to work collectively to safeguard the image of the Force.
Superintendent Isles revealed that the Force is currently developing new and advanced driving programmes to enhance the skills of police ranks in areas of remedial, tactical and escort driving.
He said that police drivers will operate as defensive drivers, and that drivers who are found to be inadequate will be reassigned.
“I’ve received reports of ‘blue lights’ and we have patrols on the roads, and they don’t see ‘blue lights’,” he said, adding “That’s a violation! You don’t have to be a traffic rank or on duty to take action!”
He warned that ranks found to be culpable will be charged for neglect of duty, as it is because many of them are themselves guilty of such breaches, hence their unwillingness to take action.
He urged that they take back the power they have given to the public by complying with the law. “Rectify whatever breaches you have on your private vehicles, and if you need to use tint, it should be in keeping with the law,” he said, adding that by so doing, they will not be hesitant to enforce the law in the face of breaches.
He also reminded ranks at the seminar of the importance of using Vehicle Logbooks to record their movements when using Force vehicles, and any defects they may have observed, so as to ensure that the vehicles with which they have been entrusted are adequately maintained.
They were also informed of the Administration’s intention to create a Best Driver Award for Force Drivers, as the incentive will help motivate them to drive more responsibly.
A similar seminar is to be held shortly with all drivers of emergency vehicles to inform them of the new posture going forward when operating such vehicles on the country’s roadways.
