– Traffic Chief

TRAFFIC ranks must not stop vehicles on the road seeking drivers’ documents at random on the roadways and this goes for all other ranks, countrywide.
This was reiterated by Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, during a radio programme on Voice of Guyana Tuesday titled “Police and You.”
“I am sure that the officer who posted or dispatched ranks on the road brief them but you will find some of these rogue ranks will go out with one intention and continue with the corrupt behaviour,” the Traffic Chief said. He is advising all drivers to come forward and give statements in order for condign action to be taken against such ranks.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Chief said regional traffic heads are tasked with the responsibility as it relates to the operational aspect of the Force’s policy.

“As members of the Police Force Traffic Department, we are to ensure that the road is safe to use by motorists, pedestrians, and pedal cyclists on a 24-hour basis. So you will find traffic ranks will be placed at specific areas to assist in the direction of traffic, assist persons in crossing the road, and ranks will be placed at strategic positions to ensure drivers do not speed,” he explained.
He acknowledged that the road users may have adverse comments pertaining to the traffic ranks’ operations and cases with merit will result in the disciplining of ranks.
“Since my assumption to my current position in August 2020, my policy is clear along with that of the force; traffic ranks are being instructed not to stop drivers and check for documents, not to arrest persons for minor offences, if the offences warrant a ticket, issue a ticket, and if you breach these simple Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) you will be dealt with,” the Traffic Chief explained. When questioned about issues of victimisation in the aftermath of reporting corrupt traffic ranks, the Traffic Chief said the administration of the force would not deal with such matters lightly.

DON’T BE AFRAID
“When we re-examine matters and realise at the admin level that the rank has to be removed from traffic, so be it, or removed from one location to a next. I want to assure the public and am appealing to the public, don’t be afraid when you have a conflict with the police or you believe you have been wronged, arrested or issued with a ticket, you should come forward,” he urged.
He noted that in the various regions persons can visit the traffic head or the commander whose policies are open-door since there is zero tolerance for corruption. He said before ranks are posted to their various duties and locations, they are fully briefed on the ‘dos and don’ts’ of their work. Further, the Traffic Chief urged road users not to facilitate bribery and corruption.
“If any road user encounter police who are trying to extract money from them as it relates to traffic offences, the force’s policy is clear, that is a zero-tolerance for corruption and bribery, get the name of the police, come and report it to any of the senior officers of the force, you can go to the commander or the traffic office,” he advised.

The Senior Superintendent said that the Office of Professional Responsibility will then be called in to deal with the case and an investigation will be done. However, he noted that on many occasions, the persons who make complaints and allegations do not want to give a statement and follow up with the case. Meanwhile, in giving advice to traffic ranks, the Senior Superintendent said when confronted with a situation that may escalate in a negative manner, they should seek the assistance of senior ranks, via the radio set, for assistance. He said this is especially important for confrontations with rogue drivers. The Traffic Chief urged members of the public to support the police in their operations, noting that the police are there to ensure law and order prevail and law enforcement will not turn a blind eye towards lawbreakers.