Published: 2nd of April, 2025 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: April 2, 2025 at 15:32 pm
The Guyana Police Force has a sworn and noble duty to maintain law and order in the country of Guyana. This can sometimes be a challenging task, and citizens sometimes knowingly or unknowingly make the lives of law enforcement officers even more difficult. While some members of the armed forces abuse their authority, this is not always the case during escalations of conflict, and it is very important that members of the public cooperate with law enforcement officials in order to maintain law and order in our beloved homeland, ensure peace, protection, and stability for all.
Below are some guidelines for interacting with members of the Guyana Police Force.
1. Answer questions promptly. However, you reserve the right to remain silent or to refuse to answer questions which you deem too personal, compromising, or irrelevant.
2. Show documents promptly when required to do so.
3. Do not assault a police officer, and do not attempt to engage a Police officer in combat unnecessarily. Remember that Police officers have weapons and are trained to use them. They can also call for backup. Engaging a Police officer in combat puts you in a very compromised position.
4. Do not run from the police. Running from the police makes you look guilty and dangerous, and puts you at risk of being shot.
5. Remember that members of the public have the right to video public interactions with the police. However, answering questions respectfully will resolve most encounters and negate the need to film.
6. Remember that a police officer cannot search through your phone, laptop, or other personal device without a warrant, or unless you are arrested. If they attempt to do so, remind them that they are breaking the law and putting themselves at risk for legal action.
7. Do not attempt to bribe a police officer.
8. Do not threaten or harass a police officer.
9. Always show respect to and cooperate fully with members of our armed forces.
10. Report cases of abuse and seek legal advice if you believe you were a victim of police brutality or abuse of power.
