–clarify misconceptions related to reports about missing persons

IN an effort to clarify misconceptions related to reports of missing persons, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said that no reports of kidnappings have been received in recent time.
The police, in a statement issued on Friday, said that they have taken note of concerns expressed on Facebook about cases of missing persons, particularly teenagers.
“The Guyana Police Force understands the concern expressed, but at the same time is refuting the allegation that this issue does not appear to be receiving the full attention of the Guyana Police Force,” the GPF noted in a press statement. According to a statement from the police, cases of missing persons are dealt with specifically by the Missing Persons Unit within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the GPF. In order to enhance the capacity of the unit, the police force has established a system which involves publicising information periodically, and receiving information and tips on any police-related matter from the public.

The GPF has guaranteed that the identity of any person who shares information would be kept confidential, regardless if the information is shared through telephones or social media. Speaking specifically about a Facebook post related to allegations of a series of kidnappings occurring in Guyana, the police said: “The police force is once more giving citizens the assurance that this is far from reality and that there has not been any report of any kidnapping received by the police within recent times. While the call for neighbours and others to look out for each other is appreciated, the peddling of this misinformation about alleged kidnappings can result in unwanted tension, anxiety and stress in the society.”
Further, the police noted: “It should be noted that the incident highlighted in the post that refers to the attempted kidnapping of two females has been proven to be a false report. The Guyana Police Force is reiterating that it has received and has been dealing professionally with recent reports of missing persons, but none of kidnapping.”