Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie yesterday disclosed that a total of forty-five ranks are presently before the court on various charges.
He was at the time delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Annual Officer’s Conference where he urged ranks to “always” be professional and avoid corrupt practices.
“We are still battling with the deviant behaviour of some ranks particularly corruption but we are dealing with those who wish to tarnish our image and undermine the great strides we have been making, either departmentally or criminally as warranted,” Hoppie said.
During last year, Hoppie said the police force through its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) had received 202 complaints against members of the force.
Ten ranks were also charged departmentally, he added.
According to Hoppie, those presently before the courts are facing various charges including manslaughter, demanding with menace, assault causing actual body harm, murder, simple larceny, causing of death by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The acting Top Cop explained that despite facing “significant” challenges over the past year, the force has been making every effort to carry out its mandate.
“Criticisms continue to be made against the force and persons tend to forget the exceptional work of the many police ranks who despite the criticisms and challenges, work assiduously with the implementation of strategies which see success and stand as a testimony to the police … commitment to ensuring public safety and security,” he said.
Hoppie urged the ranks to “build bridges” with the public and improve the image of the force in order to enhance public trust and confidence which are essential to good policing.
“…The Guyana Police Force has nothing to hide. It has sustained its reputation for courage, impartiality and service to the public over many difficult years. It is important that the integrity, reputation and tradition of the force be maintained,” he said.
