Please
allow me to make it clear from the beginning, when writing about a group or any collective, I am in no way suggesting that everyone within that group behaves the same way or is blighted by the same attitude. I am not claiming either that it is a majority of the group or collective that I am making reference to. It is more accurately described as a need to express my bitter disappointment and confusion as to the reasoning and continued allowance of the poor practices that are taking place in the daily lives of my communities.
There are Police officers representing the Government of Guyana who are quite simply a disgrace. For the institution charged with the responsibility of serving and protecting the public, the failures are extensive. Set aside the challenges of fighting crime and corruption, which is an insurmountable task for Police forces around the globe and begin with the most basic of human expectations.
Maybe it is a form of power drunkenness or a sub-culture that belongs to a secret faction, but the complete lack of courtesy, information sharing and sub-standard protocol that I have witnessed first-hand and been privy to through recounted venting of disgruntled family and friends, leaves us all astounded.
We are often left with a sense of disbelief when an arrogant, ill-trained, unmannerly representative detains you, often under ambiguous grounds they themselves are unable to substantiate. With so many people regularly committing blatant traffic offences under the noses of the officers, why do they choose to harass those of us innocently going about our business? There are certainly some evidenced reasons of bribe seeking, power trips, and ignorance.
When the average citizen is met with a rude, unlawful officer, we are still at their mercy if we want to avoid hours of time wasted in the station. The unclear laws that govern what power they actually possess allows them to abuse that power and the cavalier way that they approach interactions behaving as though they have rights way beyond their standing, really is alarming.
Each of us can appreciate that the take-home pay of a police officer is extremely modest and we are well aware of the challenging financial situation many face. However, when dealing with a person who has sworn to uphold the law unashamedly seeking to break that law by asking for a bribe, it is difficult to feel secure in the service. So many people do wholehearted pay to avoid inconvenience and being caught up in a court system that itself leaves so much to be desired.
More training is obviously needed; both initially and ongoing. No matter how much is currently being undertaken it is obviously lacking, as is the selection process and the standard of education set as entry requirement for new officers. To be a good, efficient officer requires a personality and attitude that is sorely absent in many of the present ones operating in the community.
There seems to be little accountability for the incompetence and ineffectiveness of their actions and energy and time is being wasted on targeted civilians who some believe will give financial reward, allow them to display illusions of grandeur or accept the venting of a bad attitude.
It is our responsibility to be better versed in the laws of Guyana and the government to make those laws accessible, clear and upheld. If we refuse to let poor treatment go unreported and find power in accurate knowledge of our rights, a change will be forced to come, however slowly.
We are entitled to be spoken to with respect, be offered clear and accurate information from the attending officers about the situation, alleged violation and procedure. We are also entitled to demand that officers are accountable for their actions and should be heard.
Officers should be proud to wear the uniform and view their position as what it is; a public service. The reputation of the force is seriously damaged and will take a long time, a lot of hard work, and a new outlook from all concerned.
The dishonest ones are tainting the genuine ones.
Police Officers are supposed to inspire trust, represent protection and instil feelings of safety. There are many out there who work hard to portray such an image, but unfortunately there are also many who are a far cry from that image in any way, shape or form.
As a developing country it is imperative that the backbone institutions like the Police Force employ the necessary changes that will allow that development.
