In a bid to enhance transparency and professionalism, all ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are now required to wear body cameras when engaging with the public, whether during routine checks or following an offence.
“The instruction is not to stop. The instruction is that if you stop, you must be in possession of a body camera,” said Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, during an interview on Saturday.
Singh provided further clarification on a radio programme, explaining that the rule was introduced to promote greater professionalism within the Force and to combat corruption.
“The body cameras help us to improve the manner in which we address things, and where there isn’t an improvement, we address it as it ought to be,” he added.
The directive was first made public by Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, during a meeting with senior officers and the police brass last week.
“The specific direction is very clear: once you are going to engage a member of the public with reference to the commission of offences, for example, requiring them to produce documents on demand, that police officer should be outfitted with a fully functional body camera,” Singh emphasised.
The Traffic Chief reiterated that the GPF has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. He also clarified that no law prohibits a rank from making a stop without a body camera. Officers can still perform other duties on the roadway, such as directing traffic, without being required to wear a body camera.
“Should a situation arise where bribery or corruption occurs between a police officer and a member of the public, it will be thoroughly investigated,” Singh asserted.
He also sent a strong warning to the public, urging them not to offer bribes in an attempt to avoid their responsibilities. “Members of the public should not entertain bribery to evade their actions,” he stressed.
The GPF’s commitment to ensuring transparency through the use of body cameras aims to safeguard both the public and police officers, while reinforcing the integrity of the Force.
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