–warns against motorists relying on police connections to evade enforcement
Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Singh says he will formally report a superintendent from one of the joint services to Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken after the senior officer allegedly attempted to use his influence during a traffic enforcement engagement.”
Singh disclosed that the superintendent began making calls after being confronted by traffic officers.
He said the officers restricted the opportunity for the situation to escalate into a confrontation and recorded the entire engagement using a body-worn camera.
“The entire engagement was recorded by the body camera,” Singh said, adding that the footage would be extracted through the prescribed process for it to be tendered in court as evidence.
Singh said the superintendent would be dealt with firmly and that a written report would be submitted to the Commissioner of Police through the appropriate channels.
He described the incident as an example of the conduct that would no longer be tolerated, particularly among members of the joint services who are expected to uphold discipline and set an example for the public.
Singh also criticised the practice of motorists contacting senior officials to seek intervention after being confronted over traffic violations.
He said officers, including assistant commissioners, deputy commissioners and superintendents, should not use their positions to influence traffic enforcement or secure favours for themselves or others.
“You are a reflection of the highest level of discipline in this country,” Singh said, addressing members of the joint services.
He added, “You should not behave in a certain manner, and then call for favours or impose yourselves. We demand that you set an example as a member of the joint service.”
The Traffic Chief further alleged that some individuals engage in traffic misconduct because they believe they have the backing of members of the Guyana Police Force.
He warned that such conduct would not be accepted, stressing that traffic enforcement could not be relaxed where doing so would contribute to road safety problems.
Singh did not identify the superintendent or disclose the specific traffic violation that led to the engagement.
He also did not provide details of the action being considered against the officer beyond confirming that a report would be submitted to the Commissioner of Police.
