Dear Editor,
There seems to be some misconception as regards the way the Police Complaints Authority functions.
Accordingly, I would crave your indulgence in having this letter published for the benefit of members of the public.
On receipt of a complaint by the Police Complaints Authority, it is sent to the Commissioner of Police for an investigation to be carried out, after which a report with relevant statements are forwarded to Police Complaints Authority to consider whether or not the rank against whom the complaint was made should face a disciplinary charge. If it is so decided, then the matter is sent back to the Commissioner of Police for a disciplinary hearing. If the rank is found to have been at fault the matter is referred back to the Police Complaints Authority for a recommendation as to the appropriate penalty to be imposed.
The Police Complaints Authority does not have its own team of investigators. Therefore each complaint has to be forwarded to the Commissioner of Police for an investigation and report, which often takes some time.
If there is a delay in determining a complaint, this would be because the relevant report has not been forwarded to the Police Complaints Authority. Where there has been a delay in forwarding the reports, reminders are usually sent to the Commissioner of Police.
Where a complainant has not heard from the Police Complaints Authority after lodging a complaint, he/she should get in touch with the Authority. He/she would then be informed of the status of the complaint.
The telephone numbers are: 226-1399 and 226-2095.
The Police Complaints Authority cannot deal with a matter where a complaint has not been lodged with it.
Finally, I wish to state that the Police Complaints Authority can only entertain complaints against members of the Guyana Police Force from the ranks of Assistant Commissioner of Police to a constable.
Yours faithfully,
C C Kennard
Chairman
