Police Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, is calling for greater respect to be shown to police officers, and is reminding the public that “police are human beings”, who deserve to be treated with dignity even under difficult circumstances.
Speaking in an interview with Guyana Times about the daily challenges police officers face, Singh emphasized that while the police are committed to maintaining law and order, they often find themselves in hostile situations where professionalism is tested.
Singh’s comments come on the heels of a recent incident in which a police officer was assaulted while directing traffic at the Demerara Harbour Bridge. That incident, which took place on October 11, saw the officer being subjected to disrespect and aggression from two members of the public. The incident went viral on social media, and their actions, which included damaging the officer’s phone, sparked widespread condemnation after footage surfaced online.
Reflecting on the incident, Singh reiterated, “Police are human beings,” and added, “Our ranks are so professional not to respond to the urgency of the public, who seem to become uncivil toward us.”
Singh was clear in his stance on such behaviour: “We wouldn’t tolerate [this] anymore,” he stressed, as he explained that the police would no longer accept public disrespect without there being consequences.
He called for stricter adherence to proper conduct during interactions with officers, emphasizing that lawlessness would not be condoned.
Following the viral spread of the altercation, the couple in question issued a public apology to the officer. In their statement, they admitted to engaging in anti-social behaviour, and expressed regret for their actions even as they acknowledged that their conduct was “entirely unacceptable” and contrary to how the public should interact with officers performing their duties.
“We unreservedly apologize to Officer Brown for our behaviour,” the statement read. They also offered to replace Officer Brown’s damaged cellular phone, and committed to personally apologizing for their actions.
Singh highlighted this incident as a reminder that while officers are tasked with enforcing the law, they are also deserving of fairness and respect. He emphasized, “We cannot allow disorder and lawlessness to continue,” and urged the public to recognize the humanity of police officers, who, despite frequent hostility, continue to serve with professionalism.
Sharing his frustration with the disregard some members of the public have for the human side of law enforcement, Singh said,
“Police officers are sons, daughters, and parents too. They are children of parents who committed their children to the service of the country, yet they are often mocked by inconsiderate persons.”
This, Singh emphasized, is a reality officers endure every day, especially in high-traffic areas where tensions between law enforcement personnel and civilians can run high.
The Traffic Chief also highlighted a recent incident in which an officer was struck by a driver after that officer had attempting to address traffic violations.
“On a daily basis, we put up with something at a specific intersection…some very inconsiderate, callous, and selfish drivers,” he shared, underscoring the risks officers face while trying to enforce the law.
Singh has called on the public to recognize the humanity of police officers, and has urged respect and cooperation instead of hostility. (G9)
