Officers must always be professional  – Commissioner Leslie James

−Investigation ongoing into assault of teen by two police officers

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Guyana Police Force is investigating reports that two of its ranks assaulted a teenage boy at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

Commissioner of Police Leslie James made the revelation at press briefing on Tuesday, noting that the ranks have been detained.

The teen allegedly broke into the home of the policemen who are brothers sometime last week. Commissioner James said the teen was picked up from his home and taken to the house he allegedly broke into where the assault occurred

“The allegation is that the rank proceeded to inflict injuries on him that is he was beaten and he was also burnt about his body,” the commissioner stated.

“As a responsible force, I thought it best for us to meet this way so I can report directly and let you know that is a matter we are currently investigating. I can say to you that the two ranks are in custody and this matter is being investigated by a very senior police officer,” he continued.

The matter was brought to the attention of the police after the young man’s family made a report.

Commissioner James urged his men to desist from such actions and to perform their duties professionally. He stressed that police receive training upon entering the force and this continues even after deployment to various divisions.

“When policemen are engaged in certain acts, in most of the cases it might be a decision they would have made, not due to lack of training. I wish to make that very clear. I want to remind ranks in the force to desist from such acts because when it comes to our attention, we will investigate and if it has to result in charges, that will be done,” the Commissioner stated.

Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan had also vowed earlier in the year that every complaint against police officers would be investigated.