Be neutral during elections season – Guyana Police Association urges ranks

The executives of the Guyana Police Association, a statutory body which represents ranks from constable to chief inspector, is urging ranks to remain steadfast, resolute and neutral as General and Regional Elections approach.

According to the body, “the association wishes to remind ranks that they are policemen/women and not politicians.”

It added: “We urge our members to strive to reduce the fears of the public and to reflect their priorities in the actions we take. However, in doing so we must continue to be firm in our resolve to fight crime, to reduce the number of traffic accidents and road deaths, last but not least, resolve to upgrade the level of service delivery throughout the Force,” the association said in a press statement.

The association is also concerned about the attitude of some errant ranks who continue to deviate from the acceptable norms and police standing orders and engage in venalities, inappropriate conduct and other transgressions.

Such behaviour, the association noted, brings the Force into disrepute, which affects the credibility of hard-working policemen/women.

In providing the highest quality of service, the association noted that ranks must do so without favour or affection, malice or ill will.

“Courtesy, politeness, honesty, integrity, dedication, impartiality, dignity and professionalism, must be common attributes of our operational life,” the body noted.

The executives of the Police Association are also urging its members to consolidate on the gains achieved over the years and to fully embrace the modernisation, training and capacity-building taking place in the Police Force under the guidance of the commissioner of police and his management team.

The Association commends the hard-working policemen/women who continue to work beyond the normal call of duty, in a dedicated and professional manner in order to maintain a high degree of public safety within the country.