Cop under close arrest over alleged use of force at WCD Mall

A Police Corporal attached to Regional Division #3 (Essequibo Island/ West Demerara) has been placed under close arrest following an incident at the West Central Mall, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) in which he and other officers are accused of using excessive force during an intervention involving two civilians.
The event, which occurred around 12:30h on Friday, was partially captured on video by onlookers and widely circulated on Facebook, prompting public scrutiny and an official investigation. The Guyana Police Force (GPF), in a statement issued later in the day, confirmed that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is actively investigating the incident.

The probe involves three police ranks: a Corporal, a Lance Corporal, and a Constable, as well as two male civilians.
According to the police’s preliminary findings, the officers were responding to reports of a disturbance at the mall involving several young males. Upon arrival, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, both residents of Den Amstel, WCD, were identified as the individuals allegedly behaving in a disorderly manner.
The police ranks reportedly approached the men and instructed them to leave the premises. However, the individuals allegedly refused to comply with the directive, prompting the officers to attempt to escort them out of the compound.
It was during this effort that tensions reportedly escalated, resulting in what appeared to be a physical confrontation. Part of the encounter was filmed by onlookers and later posted to social media, triggering concerns over the level of force used. The GPF, acknowledging the public concern, stated that the Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a full and impartial investigation to determine whether the conduct of the ranks involved was in keeping with established protocols.
The Corporal at the centre of the incident has since been placed under close arrest pending the outcome of the OPR’s investigation.
No formal charges have yet been laid, and the civilians involved have not been identified by name. It is also unclear whether they sustained any injuries or filed complaints. The GPF said it remains committed to transparency and accountability, and assured the public that any breaches of protocol would be dealt with in accordance with internal disciplinary procedures.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.