Traffic ranks trained to use breathalyser, speed guns

…after increase in complaints filed by citizens

In light of the high number of complaints filed against traffic ranks in recent days, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has embarked on a new initiative which will allow officers to not only be trained but certified to use the breathalyser gun and tachometer, popularly known as the speed gun.
In an interview with the Traffic Chief, Linden Isles, on Friday, <<<Guyana Times>>> was told that the sessions would also allow for ranks to be trained to better communicate with the public as there have been numerous complaints surfacing against the cops, who are supposed to be examples and moreover, fight crime and not participate.
A senior rank, who is responsible for the supervision of the training sessions said that so far 79 ranks have been trained in Georgetown.
He explained that those persons were trained in two batches so far, with training being held during weekdays usually from 08:00h to 18:00h.

Filed photo: Traffic ranks at Eve Leary, Georgetown (DPI photo)

He said that a lecturer from the University of Guyana (UG) was brought to help the officers with their communication skills while persons from the Guyana Bureau of Standards were also invited to provide the certification on the equipment usage.
Ranks were also trained in professional ethics of law enforcement as well as how to better conduct themselves in appearance as well as on accident scenes, whether minor or serious, the officer said.
The officer was keen to note that the training for ranks is not new, but having them certified is a new initiative which only began this year.
Asked if only certified officers will be allowed to conduct breathalyser tests, Jack responded in the negative.
According to him, the objective is to have each traffic rank in the various Policing Divisions trained at the Georgetown Police Training Centre.
In the past, persons have complained about being mistreated by the police while a breathalyser test is being conducted.
Moreover, the recent matter between Attorney-at-Law Ryan Crawford and a police officer has made the communication and conduct aspect of the training even more important.
In September last year, a video went viral of the attorney shouting expletives at the cop while refusing to comply with the requests of the cop. The 48-year-old attorney, who was slapped with five charges, denied all when they were read to him by Magistrate Peter Hugh and was released on his own recognisance.
In his apology, Crawford stated that it was his frustration that was the cause of his expletive rant, noting that he was only attempting to get his point across which is that he was illegally stopped.