The police are failing miserably in keeping their motto of ‘service and protection’

Sep 12, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
The word disgust has become a cliché when speaking about some members of the Guyana Police Force. The actions of these officers clearly demonstrate that their badge has given them the right to do as they please. They behave as if we the citizens owe them something or they are our masters and we are animals.
They never cease to surprise me with the way they treat persons. Before I actually state my purpose for writing, let me first talk about officers of some First World countries, for example, The United States of America. I am quite sure there may only be just a hand full of persons who’ve never seen the popular TV shows that showcase the operations of officers when in contact with potential suspects or felons. I believe that these foreign officers are required to have cameras in their vehicles because that is how footage for the shows are attained.
These offices are so professional when handling persons. I am not saying that is how all the officers behave but it is clear that they follow rules, they treat citizens with respect and show love for their fellow countrymen. Not here in Guyana, citizens cannot speak, we are faced with obscene men and even women, disrespectful and easily annoyed. I was watching one of those police shows and there was this one episode where officers pulled over a man suspected of driving under the influence.
When this man stopped, he came out of the vehicle swearing uncontrollably at the officers, and like the professionals they are, they kindly asked the gentleman to refrain from using obscenities, which he did not. The officers ask the man about two more times, saying finally that if he didn’t stop they would be forced to take him in for disrespecting an officer. He refused and was then detained.
Could you imagine a scenario like that in Guyana with our lawmen, the culprit might as well sign his own death warrant for our officers I think truly believe they are above the law. They abuse their power, speaking harshly and being inhumane towards persons, they are mean and they often want your money and I am speaking from experience.
I express my concern Sir because on Wednesday last an incident occurred in my community, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Rasville where an officer discharged his weapon in an area that is always bright with people, including children, on the streets.
I must make it known that I was not present at the time but I still must express my anger because it occurred exactly in the area where my nephews and his friends often play.
The story was that the officers were looking for a man who had gone into my family’s yard. The man had escaped them by making his way around the house and exited back through the front gate. By the time the officer noticed the man, he was well up the street but this did not deter the officer from opening fire at the individual, despite the presence of several persons on the street.
Needless to say, the residents were so upset that they swarmed the officer and expressed their anger. Unable to handle the crowd, the officers got into their vehicle and drove off.
That is exactly the kind of attitude that has Guyana in the state that it is in. I remember when officers were your street friend, when you said good morning sir and their reply was warmed with a smile. Gone are those days. Now persons are afraid of the police. If the motto is to protect and serve then they are failing miserably at this job.
They treat the public so poorly that they could never get assistance with their cases, then they resort to torturing and frame persons to confess their guilt.
I am fed up, angry and disappointed with these men and women who are supposed to be prestigious, respectful and professional in all contact with the public. When will Guyana get better?
Disappointed citizen

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The police are failing miserably in keeping their motto of ‘service and protection’

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