Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken met yesterday with Traffic Ranks of Police Regional Divisions 4 ‘A’ and 4 ‘C’ during which he reminded them of the importance of maintaining professionalism at all times and he signalled zero tolerance for attacks on them.
There have been several recent, well-publicised attacks on policemen by members of the public.
Alluding to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) motto: ‘Service and Protection’, Hicken told the ranks they should remember and be continually guided by the Force’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which must be strictly adhered to at all times.
According to a release from the GPF, Hicken said that he has taken note of the recent incidents of aggressive and abusive attacks meted out to members of the Guyana Police Force whilst carrying out their lawful duty to serve and protect.
The Top Cop declared that there will be a zero-tolerance approach in this regard and is asking the public to desist from such behaviour.
The release said that Hicken has been at the forefront of leading a strategic, people-centric focus on community outreaches to bridge the gap between the Police and the community.
Numerous police-led outreaches were held in several communities across Guyana in recent months, which the release said has helped to win public trust and create partnerships to foster safer communities.
However, within the past two weeks, there have been at least three reported cases of civilians not only abusing police traffic ranks whilst on duty but also physically attacking them, the release said.
Hicken said this behaviour would not be tolerated, and anyone who feels they can assault and attack the Police while carrying out their sworn duty to serve and protect will face the full brunt of the law.
