Dear Editor,
I had to write this letter because like most Guyanese I have a very negative impression of the Guyana Police Force and its members and so I was pleasantly surprised when recently I had to interact with three members of the force who were completely professional with the way they dealt with my matter, yet at the same time they were courteous and friendly. And I am referring to Inspector Warde at Interpol, Inspector Reid at CID and DSP Halley at the Passport Office. After interacting and talking to these three people, I am convinced that the Guyana Police Force is in good hands and these people should be the face of the force. I only do hope there are more like them who will be able to enhance the image of the force and change the public perception of that institution.
I know when this letter is published I will come in for blows from friends and families for praising the GPF, especially from those who have suffered at the hands of the police and therefore I would like to call on the Commissioner of Police and Minister Benn to put programmes in place to deal with the few rogue elements of the force who are giving the GPF a bad name. I get the impression that the rogue elements are at the lower level of the ladder and so we need to have another look at our recruitment practices and the quality of people we bring into the force. I will also like to recommend that we change the name of the force to the Guyana Police Service in keeping with its motto, “to protect and serve”.
Once again, a heartfelt thanks to Inspector Warde, Inspector Reid and DSP Halley for a job well done. All of you are true professionals and an asset to the Guyana Police Service. The Police Commissioner should be proud of all of you. Keep up the good work.
Yours faithfully.
Imtiaz Baccus
