In a decisive move, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) announced Saturday that all missing person reports will now be acted upon immediately—scrapping the long-criticised 24-hour waiting period.
The Office of the Commissioner of Police has formally implemented a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at streamlining and strengthening the national response to reports of missing children and persons. The directive applies across all police divisions, stations, outposts, and the Missing Children/Persons Unit (MCPU).
This reform reflects global best practices and a human-rights-centred approach, with special attention to vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Among the core provisions of the SOP:
Immediate Response: All reports of missing persons must be acted upon without delay. No mandatory 24-hour waiting period is required.
Red Alert Activation: Reports involving missing children will trigger an immediate Red Alert, prompting a coordinated national response.
High-Risk Classification: Children, elderly persons, and individuals deemed vulnerable will be automatically categorised as high-risk, resulting in rapid deployment of additional resources.
Interagency Collaboration: The Police Force will work in close coordination with the Child Care and Protection Agency, Immigration Department, healthcare providers, shelters, and other key partners to deliver a holistic and effective response.
Public Communication: The Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) will release timely and accurate information to the public regarding missing persons, once cleared by the Commissioner’s Office.
Senior Oversight: Divisional Commanders and the MCPU will be tasked with daily oversight and continuous updates on active cases until each is resolved.
The Commissioner of Police will also ensure that heads of all related security and emergency services — including Defence, Fire, and Prisons — are immediately notified in incidents involving children or other high-risk individuals.
Officers who fail to follow the SOP without valid justification will face administrative review and possible disciplinary action under the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01.
This renewed commitment by the GPF reaffirms its pledge to protect all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, with urgency, compassion, and accountability. Members of the public are encouraged to report missing persons promptly and to provide any relevant information that could aid in their safe recovery.
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