Dear Editor,
I recall in India, back in Dec 03, 2020, that the Supreme Court (SC) ordered the Centre, states, and union territories, “… to put in place an effective mechanism to deter violation of civil rights, torture, and deaths in custody in police stations.” Thus, the order was to install CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras in every police station across the country. This move was aimed at checking on allegations of ‘crimes’ in many categories, by the police. The ruling detailed that “The governments should ensure that CCTV cameras be installed in each and every police station.”
In addition, CCTV cameras and recording equipment were to be installed in all the offices and agencies that carry out interrogations and have the power of arrest. Why this move? Well, the answer resides in the case of custodial torture in Punjab, and we have had this kind of situation in Guyana.
So, I am very happy that here, in our growing Guyana “Surveillance cameras (will) be installed at all police stations,” as Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn seeks to improve responsiveness from the Guyana Police Force.
This is indeed a most welcomed move, and it is a bold step forward “In an effort to ensure members of the public be treated appropriately when engaging with the Guyana Police Force (GPF),” is how the Minister put it over.
As we are all aware, there have been far too many complaints against the GPF, and far too many times, the issues usually remain unresolved, as no kind of corroboration was possible. So, with the cameras, accusations, one way or the other, will get an evidential examination. This will definitely remove fabrications of mischief and those of false defences. Congrats to the Minister of Home Affairs.
In this initiative, the Minister explained that “… where there is contact between the police and the population, there will be cameras which will be recording those engagements.” He added that “We are talking the talk about when people come to the police station, how they are treated-whether they are chased out, whether their information is taken down, whether there is a safe space for women who may be suffering (from) domestic abuse, or for children, who may be having issues under the law.”
This, as far as I can see, is a bold and necessary ‘step-up.’ It is bringing Guyana’s security sector on par with international best practices. I surmised it is bound to stimulate plosive changes.
I close by reminding all that the number of robberies and thefts overall, in the areas with CCTV installed, reduced by 47.4%, while the areas without CCTV showed practically no change in the number of crimes. This kind of data will definitely keep our police stations on professional alert, knowing that whatever is happening will be available if and when the need arises. Overall, this will have far-reaching implications for the general functioning of law enforcement agencies by making them accountable for any rights violations in criminal investigations. It will also benefit the victims of custodial violence in the country. Likewise, it will keep civilians in proper décor, as many still believe they have the right to ‘provoke’ police operatives, so long as no one can disprove them.
Yours truly,
H Singh
