—says both officers who take bribes and citizens who offer them will be charged

CORRUPT police officers will face serious consequences if they collect bribes, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken said, making it clear that both the receiver and giver will be penalised.
The ‘Top Cop’ made it clear, during the opening ceremony of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Sergeants’ Conference on Wednesday, that there is a zero tolerance for corruption.
“If you become corrupt is because they have a giver and you are the receiver. As of today, stop receiving and persons must be charged when they come to bribe the police. I’m making myself very clear, or else other things will happen,” the ‘Top Cop’ said.
Previously, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, had delivered a strong charge to the leadership of the Guyana Police Force, urging commanders and senior officers to embrace integrity, discipline, and accountability as the pillars of effective policing.
She called for a firm stance against corruption, warning that misconduct cannot be ignored. “Corruption must be dealt with firmly. Show zero tolerance. Do not look the other way. Be fearless in confronting it,” she declared.
On the issue of discipline, Minister Walrond underscored that leadership must set the standard. “If discipline is weak at the top, it will collapse below. Tighten discipline, strengthen performance and rebuild trust,” she urged.
The Minister also highlighted the new challenges facing law enforcement, including border security, increasing connectivity and the demands of a rapidly growing economy. She charged commanders to ensure that the government’s record investments in infrastructure, mobility, technology and training translate into tangible results—safer communities, effective law enforcement and renewed public confidence in the uniform.
Also, last year, the Force issued a stern reminder to citizens that offering bribes to law enforcement officers is a criminal offence and a grave act that undermines the rule of law, accountability and the integrity of policing.
The statement followed growing concern over incidents in which individuals have attempted to evade lawful procedures by offering money or “tokens of appreciation” to officers. According to the GPF, such practices erode public trust in law enforcement and weaken the values of justice and fairness.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, the Police Force highlighted that robust internal mechanisms are in place to investigate and discipline any officer found guilty of soliciting or accepting bribes.
At the same time, citizens are urged to play their part by refusing to engage in bribery and reporting any such incidents immediately. Reports can be made to the Commissioner of Police Secretariat via hotlines 227-1611 ext. 4001, 225-6411, 225-2700, and 600-3019.
The GPF reminded the public that officers are trained from recruitment to serve with professionalism, impartiality, and integrity. Acts of bribery, whether initiated by officers or citizens, undermine this commitment and the very foundation of justice.
In addition, the Force noted that the Government of Guyana has mandated the use of body cameras by all law enforcement officers stationed at ports of entry to bolster accountability and safeguard the rights of travellers.