“Unacceptable” – Top Cop to guards posing with guns on social media

…warns security firms about unprofessional conduct

Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has issued a stern warning to private security firms whose guards are seen posing on social media, especially on “Tik Tok”, with high-powered rifles.
“This is unacceptable and unprofessional, and this trend needs to stop immediately,” the Top Cop chided during a recent meeting with heads and representatives of private security firms at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Georgetown.

Hicken said there are instances where security firms would have their officers exposing large weapons while on duty, and this has the potential to create a hostile situation with civil society. He said it can also have negative implications for Guyana’s tourism sector, as well as for the general safety of citizens.
To this end, the Top Cop has said there must be professionalism, especially when it concerns the handling of firearms.
He also commended the private firms for their reduction of the ‘accidental discharge’ of firearms. As such, he urged the firms to take caution and to pay heed to the practical and theoretical aspects of security training.
“The Guyana Police Force and private security firms will continue to work in partnership,” Hicken has assured, while mentioning that there is need for more collaborative effort as it relates to information-sharing.
Hicken added that there must be a positive change in behaviour, posture, and professionalism in all private security services in Guyana. Hicken also called on the private security firms to have a standardised employment procedure.
“Security firms must do complete background checks when hiring personnel, as this will help to ensure you protect and maintain the image of your organization, and by extension your clients and our country,” Hicken asserted.
Stressing on the need to be neat and maintain uniformity and decorum, the Police Commissioner reminded the representatives that their mode of dress is of great importance, and must at all times be adhered to. (G9)