Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 10, 2016 Letters
Dear Editor,
In Guyana corruption is a good word to start a conversation with or even better to initiate an argument. Many persons have approached the topic positing their views in the print and electronic media and elsewhere. Recently, Sir Kevin Barron, Member of Parliament in the UK Parliament conducted an anti-corruption seminar at the Marriott Hotel. Among the participants were members of the local Parliament and foreign diplomats. Many Boards of Inquiry and Audits have found abundant evidence of corruption in Government Departments and Agencies.
Kaieteur News, November 16, 2016, carried an editorial on corruption in the GRA. The number of reported cases of corruption in government and non -governmental organisations is alarming.
This article is written with a law enforcement bias, but many issues raised could easily equate to numerous business entities, departments, government and non-governmental organizations in Guyana.
It is a sketch rather than a detailed analysis as the many factors relating to corruption cannot be compressed into a letter of this size. However, I hope that you the reader will have a clearer understanding of what is corruption, factors that can contribute to corruption, effects of corruption on the organisation, key elements of corruption, and steps that can be taken to minimise corruption.
The police in Guyana are more closely scrutinised and subjected to uniformed, biased criticism than any other occupational group. The average cop is expected to conduct his or her personal and professional life with more integrity and decorum than most other citizens, however unrealistic and difficult it may seem at times.
One area in which police conduct may be called into question is whether or not they accept gratuities. A gratuity is defined as a favour or gift, usually in the form of money, given in return for service; for example money given to buy juice on a hot day; money given to process a firearm or dance application; money given to buy beers for the boys; money given to buy a gift for the birthday party of the boss.
Whether or not it is ethical for police ranks to accept gratuities is controversial. Differentiating between gratuities and corruption is not a clear concept. There are many views for and against accepting gratuities. Here are some views for: Gratuities help create a bond between officers and the public, thus fostering community policing goals. They represent a non-written form of appreciation and usually are given with no expectation of anything in return. Most gratuities are too small to be a significant motivator for actions.
The practice is so deeply entrenched that efforts to root it out will be ineffective and cause unnecessary violations of the rules. A complete ban makes officers appear as though they cannot distinguish between a friendly gesture and a bribe.
Some views against banning gratuities are: Accepting gratuities violate most departments’ policies and the law enforcement code of ethics. Even the smallest gift creates a sense of obligation. Even if nothing is expected in return, the gratuity may create an appearance of impropriety.
Although most officers can discern between friendly gestures and bribe, some may not. It is unprofessional.
Many contend that accepting gratuities is often the first step in officers engaging in unethical behaviour and from there into actual corruption. In many cases whenever the “freebies” are not readily available some officers will resort to demand and more so to demand by menace. Most scandals start with one employee doing relatively small unethical acts and grow to whatever the leadership allows it to be. Remember the majestic greenheart tree was once a small seed.
The key elements of corrupt behaviour are that the conduct (1) is prohibited by rule or law, (2) involves misuse of position and power and (3) involves a reward or personal gain for the officer.
Police corruption begins with a lowering of ethical expectations and values to attain a gratuity of minor value for example, accepting a free cup of coffee. I may add free tickets for a show at the Providence National Stadium, a few BBQ tickets, or some gas money or a free lunch.
Although the action in itself is most likely harmless and inconsequential as a corrupting force, it may over time produce a snowball effect, leading an officer to accept gratuities of larger magnitude. This may put an officer on a slippery slope, leading to corruption and major crimes.
The Force may have to focus on two groups of police ranks who have the most ability to create an organisational culture based on integrity and ethical behaviour. They are the corporals and sergeants, and inspectors, cadet officers and assistant superintendents. True, the subordinate officers more so those in charge of stations may not be able to change the department but they can change their squads.
The inspectors and junior officers may not be able to change the department but they can change the large number of ranks under their command particularly in the divisions and branches. In time to come those subordinate officers and junior officers will become the senior superintendents and assistant commissioners – the divisional and branch commanders who may be able to change the department.
Clinton Conway
Assistant Commissioner of Police
Retired
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]