GPF working to reduce public distrust – Crime Chief

While acknowledging that the police are challenged to overcome public distrust, the Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Wendell Blanhum, has said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is nevertheless working to improve the trust placed in it by the public, and is instilling in the Force the importance of protecting human rights from the recruit all the way up.

While addressing the recent anti-corruption workshop, the Crime Chief addressed the issue of public distrust and acknowledged the difficulty it brings to the work of the Force. Nevertheless, he outlined the efforts the Police Force is making to improve the public trust in it.

“Recognising the possibility of police abusing their powers and authority to violate individual human rights, our legislators have enacted laws, such as the Police Discipline Act, Chapter 17:01, to create offences under which police ranks can be charged, and disciplined if found culpable. In the event of a grave violation, such acts will result in prosecution under the Criminal Law Offenses Act,” Blanhum disclosed.

“Public distrust is a major challenge for the Guyana Police Force. Our police officers depend upon the citizens for their support, and therefore public confidence in the Guyana Police Force is corelated with how we treat members of the public and how we treat the issue of human rights. There were instances (when) a few rogue police ranks committed breaches of individuals’ human rights, and such actions undermine public confidence,” Blanhum has admonished.

According to Blanhum, the importance of human rights is constantly promoted throughout the Force, and recruits are provided with extensive training on fundamental human rights in order to help them carry out their duties professionally.

Ranks, according to Blanhum, are required to treat persons being detained with respect and dignity, and to not resort to extremes such as torture, or to even exhibit ill-will.

Similarly, the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID’s) induction course features the review of judgements from the High Court which deal with human rights’ breaches committed by the Police Force.

“At the recruit level, when we have new persons entering the Police Academy, as part of the training curriculum, they have to undergo training in human rights. So, we have a human rights manual used by the police,” Blanhum explained.

“We have had our ranks, in an effort to enhance their understanding of human rights and the consequences when those rights are violated, go through the Chief Justice’s judgement during every CID induction course. Our investigators are responsible for the investigation, arrest, and detention of serious (offenders).”

Blanhum has also stressed how important it is for the Police Force them to show respect and professionalism when dealing with the general public. At the same time, he noted that the Police Force, through its community policing efforts, is seeking to show the public that the bad examples set by a few rogue police ranks should not be used to judge the entire Force.

“I was telling my colleague that I read the case that was heard by our learned Chief Justice. That’s the case of Tywon Thomas vs the State. And the Chief Justice made it very clear that human rights are non-negotiable, and we must do everything as law enforcement officers to ensure we uphold and respect the rights of persons in custody,” Blanhum has said.