Bribery probe at CJIA: Offering bribes to Police is a criminal offence – GPF warns public

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a firm warning to members of the public that offering bribes to police officers is a criminal offence and a serious act that undermines the rule of law, accountability, and the integrity of law enforcement.

In a statement, the Force said it has noted with concern an increasing number of incidents in which individuals attempt to influence police officers through bribes and “tokens of appreciation” to evade lawful procedures. According to the GPF, such actions compromise justice and fairness while eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions. The Force emphasised its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, adding that internal mechanisms are in place to identify, investigate and deal with any officer found engaging in corrupt practices. At the same time, the public was urged to play its part in the fight against corruption by refusing to offer bribes under any circumstances. The GPF reminded citizens that both the giver and receiver of a bribe are culpable under the law and will face the consequences of their actions. Reports of bribery or attempted bribery can be made directly to the Commissioner of Police Secretariat via hotline numbers 227-1611 ext. 4001, 225-6411, 225-2700, and 600-3019. Officers, the statement noted, are trained from the time of recruitment to serve with professionalism, impartiality, integrity, and dedication. Engaging in bribery, the Force said, undermines the foundation of public trust, accountability, and justice. Any rank found guilty of soliciting or accepting bribes will face the full force of the law, while any member of the public found offering bribes will also be prosecuted. The GPF highlighted that the Government of Guyana has reinforced its commitment to transparency by mandating the use of body cameras by all law enforcement ranks at ports of entry. This measure, the statement noted, will enhance accountability and help safeguard the rights of travellers.
“The Guyana Police Force calls on all citizens to respect the law, uphold your integrity, and desist from offering bribes or inducements of any kind. Together, we must ensure that corruption has no place in our society. Together, we can build a society based on integrity, accountability, and justice,” the statement read.
Visit to CJIA
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police and Chief Immigration Officer Clifton Hicken, along with Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (DCIO) Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford, on Monday visited the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), where they met and interacted with immigration ranks. Their visit followed allegations that police ranks at CJIA demanded money from a passenger in order to release her lawful items. CCTV footage and other evidence reportedly support the claim. The officers involved have since been placed under close arrest while the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) carries out a full investigation. In light of the development, the Government has instructed that effective Monday, September 29, 2025, all law enforcement officers operating at any port of entry, whether at airports or other border points, will be required to wear body cameras as part of efforts to enhance accountability and transparency. The GPF stressed that it has zero tolerance for corruption and any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law. The public was also reminded that no payment of any kind is required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port of entry. Anyone who is asked for money is urged to report it immediately to the nearest police authority.