GPF accuses media of attempting to ‘sully’ its image  

Within recent weeks, the Guyana Police Force has been on the receiving end of negative press and publicity owing to several incidents coming out of the organisation and in which officers were fingered and or implicated.

The recent and notable ones had to do with the series of reports about corruption within the organisation and which implicated the country’s Crime Chief who has since been suspended.

Another matter now actively engaging the attention of the force internally, are reports by female recruits who have alleged sexual harassment by a senior officer who continues to function in his capacity. He had reportedly apologized to a Deputy Commissioner for his actions and vowed not to continue the practice but days after, was seen leaving the college with another young recruit in his vehicle.

On Thursday evening the Guyana Police Force said that it has noticed the ‘flurry’ of reports in the media ‘aimed at the administration of the force’

The police in his statement which was issued by force Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan said that the articles suggest a culture of nonchalance, cover-up and victimization within the force.

The reports in the press the release stated, seems to be ‘aimed at influencing the public negatively toward the force in general and more specifically sullying the image of the senior administration’

What is interesting to note is that the police force administration would issue such a statement with such words even as an active investigation is ongoing and which involves its Crime Chief., Deputy Commissioner Lyndon Alves who is also part of the “senior administration” of the force.

The Guyana Police Force said that it has utmost respect for freedom of the expression as enshrined in the Constitution but the misrepresentation being peddled necessities perspicuity.

Reference was made in the statement about an article in one of today’s dailies which spoke of an apparent handpicked appointments of several Criminal Investigations Department detectives.

The release added that the article “Which seems to suggest victimization in favor of persons whose “track record is less than stellar “. But while the article appears to focus on the “ track record “ for certain individuals that suit their misleading analysis, it completely or rather deliberately obliterates the part of the records that reveal efficiency, commitment, effectiveness and crime solving capacity of the ranks. It ignores the concept of vindication or in some instances, redemption.However, notwithstanding these articles and the misleading views”

The police statements said that the administration of the force will remain resolute and committed to its motor of service and protection for all in the maintenance of public safety and also commits to the welfare and continued enhancement and development of its ranks, without exception.