In a damning indictment of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), its oversight body, in its latest report, has described numerous shortcomings, including ignorance of or failure to adhere to standing orders, ignorance of fundamental rights and key laws, misuse of police powers, alleged unlawful arrests and intimidation.
These and other concerning defects within the GPF are highlighted in the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) 2023 Annual Report, distributed on October 10, 2024. In the report, PCA Chairman Justice (rtd) William Ramlal detailed numerous violations of the PCA Act and raised concerns about the oversight and accountability of police actions, particularly regarding fatal incidents involving officers.
Contacted, Head of the GPF Corporate Communications Unit Mark Ramotar said he was unaware if the PCA Chairman had shared the 2023 report with the GPF or its senior command. However, on October 12, 2024, the GPF issued a statement addressing concerns raised in the report. The statement specifically addressed the number of complaints filed against GPF personnel, calling the figure relatively minor when compared with the vast number of interactions the GPF had with the public each year.