New PSC Chair aims to improve morale of Police Force

The recently reconstituted Police Service Commission (PSC) has been conducting outreaches at the various Police Divisions across the country in an effort to improve the morale of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

During a recent interview with reporter Leroy Smith, PSC Chairman Patrick Findlay said that he has high expectations of the Force’s senior officers. “They know the order. I expect them to rise to the occasion and be men and women of integrity,” Findlay shared.
According to the pastor, he intends to be more relational with the officers to “get a feel” of what is happening. As such, he said the PSC has been conducting outreaches to the various Police Divisions.
Already, outreaches have been done in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
At one such outreach recently held at Regional Headquarters No 3, a report from the Police noted that Findlay not only encouraged Police ranks to work hard, but to also find ways to uplift themselves, to maintain self-control and to be professional while executing their duties.
He also used the opportunity to enlighten Sergeants and Inspectors of the responsibilities that come with their respective offices. He also spoke to them about promotion, disciplinary action against ranks and the need for camaraderie and family time.
In brief remarks, he explained to the ranks that getting to the next level is not just a task but a responsibility that follows that has to be executed with dedication.
Findlay also reminded them that disciplinary issues are one of the main factors that cause blockages with promotion.
The PSC is a constitutional body established under Article 137 (1) of the Constitution, and given the authority under Article 212 (1) subject to the provisions of Article 211 (1) to make appointments to any office in the Police Force of or above the rank of Inspector, and exercise disciplinary control over and to remove persons holding or acting in such offices.
However, the new PSC Chairperson wants Police officers to know that his job is not just about exercising disciplinary action and making promotions.
“I want to extend the ambit of my job to more of a relational, I want to know them…to help them…my task is to build relationships with the hierarchy [of the Force].”
He said that since the PSC was appointed on May 31 by President Dr Irfaan Ali, its members have not been able to do much, except to review disciplinary files handed over by the previous Commission.
The new Commission has not been able to pronounce on these files as yet and is hoping to get started at its next statutory meeting.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has asked the High Court to quash the appointment of the PSC on the ground that President Ali did not engage him in meaningful consultation.
Norton, among other things, argued that the spirit and letter of the Constitution in respect to meaningful consultation were “violently violated” by the Head of State.