`…police commanders and others who find themselves in authority must not think that arriving at the job that they need to award and reward themselves and to walk around with plenty gold and diamonds around the neck and the fingers. If they have that, it means they are men who could be bought. I can buy you because that’s what you like. And you flaunt it. It must stop.’
-says ranks must not extort people
In a strongly worded address at the Guyana Police Force’s 158th Anniversary Symposium on Tuesday, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn called for introspection and accountability within the force and said that ranks must not extort people.
The minister emphasised that the country is currently experiencing a momentous period of political, economic, and social change, and as a consequence, the police force must rise to the challenge.
In his address at the opening ceremony, Benn highlighted the government’s plan for prosperity, which includes rescuing the productive sector, securing benefits from oil and gas, and promoting sustainable development. He stressed that security and peace are essential components of this plan, and that the police force is at the forefront of ensuring these goals.
The minister acknowledged that the police force has made significant progress in reducing crime, with a 20% decrease in serious crime over the past few years. However, he expressed concern about ongoing issues such as transnational organised crime, cybercrime, and money laundering. He also criticised the lack of quality policing, citing poor living conditions and inadequate facilities in some police stations.
“It is true that we have reduced crime by 20%, serious crime by 20% for a number of years. I think it’s almost a third or fourth year running that we reduced it by about 20% every year. We have been able to get good results… But, again, the question is the quality of our policemen and women. At one point I was saying we should have an Inspector of Police. In some countries they have an Inspector of Police… I’ve been hearing recently that I’m being called the ‘Ghost’ when I arrive at police and fire stations and other places, which perhaps could be at any time. And what worries me sometimes is that there is no real improvement in the way we are keeping those places… Whether it’s new or old, there is no real improvement in how the buildings are kept. There is no real improvement in the quality of the accommodations. There is no real improvement in the ablution areas. I say that the police stations must be the most welcoming place in the community. It must be the place of safety… and support for the vulnerable. If I go to a police station, the washrooms must be clean. There must be toilet paper there. It must be clean. The public should be expected to use it and we should not face criticisms… The standards and the things we want for ourselves at a personal level are those which we must accord to the people who pay our taxes,” he admonished.
Benn then emphasised the need for accountability and transparency within the police force, citing cases of corruption and mismanagement. He called for an end to extortion, bribery, and other forms of misconduct by police officers. He also urged commanders to prioritize the well-being of their subordinates and to stop flaunting wealth and luxury items.
“Police must help people. Police must not extort people. Police must not wait for things to build up and get worse and then intervene only to put our fine people in a situation where they have to pay money, where they have to pay bribes. This must stop. And the police commanders and others who find themselves in authority must not think that arriving at the job that they need to award and reward themselves and to walk around with plenty gold and diamonds around the neck and the fingers. If they have that, it means they are men who could be bought. I can buy you because that’s what you like. And you flaunt it. It must stop… I have taken the position to make requests of the Guyana Police Force Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Commanders at various places. I have never gone out to write letters really to give directions or make demands. I make requests. If you don’t follow the request, if you delay it, if you undermine it, if there’s a steady disregard of the things we want you to do, it means we have a significant problem. And I’m saying here clearly there’s a significant problem.”
According to Benn, although some improvements have been made in law enforcement, including investments in buildings and vehicles, he regrets that foot patrols and walking with dogs through the Stabroek market area have been abandoned. He stressed that this has created an environment where people can be robbed, assaulted, and even killed. He also highlighted noise pollution caused by motorcycles riding without helmets as another pressing issue.
“We have abandoned the dog walking through the Stabroek market area… If you don’t look like me you could be robbed, assaulted, and even killed in that environment around Stabroek market, that general environment. And I have been entreating that you must take a hold of that situation. We must take a hold of issues related to crime and violence and the things which allow for crime and violence. Noise nuisance motorcycles riding up and down without helmets. It cannot continue,” he stated.
In his speech, the minister also announced plans to conduct reviews, investigations, and audits, into procurement processes within the police force to ensure accountability and transparency. He was adamant that all agencies involved in procurement must adhere to regulations and guidelines to prevent corruption.
Benn concluded by urging police officers to adopt a new culture of empathy, respect, and professionalism. He called for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of vulnerable groups and better engagement with the community.
The team for this year’s symposium was “Modernising Policing by Balancing Technology, Community Engagement, & Global Best Practices”.
