– Traffic Chief warns of zero tolerance

IN response to a disturbing surge in violent assaults on traffic ranks performing their lawful duties, the Guyana Police Force is taking decisive action to protect its officers and uphold law and order on the nation’s roads.
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, has announced that traffic officers across the country will now be equipped with taser guns to safeguard themselves from unprovoked attacks by defiant road users.
The move comes amid growing concern over the blatant disregard for traffic laws and escalating aggression directed at traffic policemen, most of whom are unarmed.

Reports of motorists physically attacking officers during routine traffic enforcement have become increasingly common, many of which have been captured on video and circulated widely on social media.
“This type of behaviour by our citizens will not be condoned by the Guyana Police Force, more so the Department,” Traffic Chief Singh asserted. “Anyone found committing any traffic offence and who resorts to violently resisting or assaulting our officers will be met with the full force of the law.”

The Traffic Chief disclosed that he has issued clear instructions to all traffic ranks nationwide to continue executing their duties in strict accordance with the Police Act, Chapter 16:01, and to respond decisively to acts of violence or resistance.

The Force has also commenced training officers in the use of less-than-lethal and non-lethal tactics, including the use of tasers, which will now be standard issue for traffic ranks. The goal is to enable officers to effectively subdue aggressive offenders while minimising harm to all parties involved.
“No longer will members of the public be allowed to violently assault members of the Force with impunity when enforcing the laws,” Singh emphasised. “All offenders are forewarned — if you commit a traffic violation and

refuse to cooperate with the Police, as required under the Constitution of Guyana, you will be dealt with under the full extent of the law.”
The introduction of tasers marks a significant policy shift aimed at empowering traffic officers who are often vulnerable during confrontations with irate or lawless drivers. Singh made it clear that tasers will be used lawfully and only when necessary, describing them as a means of applying the “most minimal non-lethal force.”

The Guyana Police Force reiterated its call for greater public co-operation and reminded citizens that adherence to traffic regulations is not optional. The use of violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated and those who engage in such actions will face swift consequences.
As traffic ranks prepare to implement these new measures, the message is clear: the law will be upheld, and attacks on police officers will no longer go unchecked.