THE Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has taken its outreach programme to Bartica, Region Seven, engaging police ranks and residents on professional conduct, accountability and mechanisms for addressing complaints.
The two-day outreach, held on September 17 and 18, formed part of the OPR’s continued efforts to strengthen awareness of professional standards within the Force while improving public understanding of the office’s role and functions.
The programme was conducted by Assistant Superintendent (on probation) Anourudh Bissoon and Sergeant Rodwell Chapman of OPR Headquarters, with the first engagement held at the Bartica Police Station.
Police ranks from across the region participated in a sensitisation session during which Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dion Moore, delivered brief remarks and encouraged the ranks to use the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the OPR and the standards expected of them.
Among the issues addressed were police ethics and professional conduct, professionalism in the execution of duties, integrity and accountability, ethical decision-making and human rights in policing.
The session also examined matters relating to maintaining public trust, conflicts of interest, corruption and abuse of authority, as well as the procedures for making complaints against members of the Force.
The engagement allowed ranks to raise questions and seek clarification on professional standards and their responsibilities in carrying out police duties.
Following the session with police ranks, the OPR team conducted a community outreach exercise in Bartica township.
Assistant Superintendent Bissoon, Chief Inspector Kerron Gordon and Sergeant Chapman, accompanied by other police ranks, interacted with residents and provided information on the functions of the OPR and the procedures available to members of the public who wish to lodge complaints.
Residents were also given an opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and learn more about how they can access the OPR when they have complaints involving members of the Force.
The OPR said the continuing outreach is intended to improve awareness among both police ranks and members of the public about professional conduct, integrity, accountability and the office’s complaint-handling mechanisms.
The initiative also forms part of broader efforts to strengthen police-community relations and promote public confidence in the Guyana Police Force.
