Baton-sodomy makes mockery of police reform- Home Ministry

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

The Home Affairs Ministry on Wednesday said a policeman’s alleged sodomizing of a detainee with a condom-covered baton makes a “mockery” of police reform.

“Such breaches fly in the face of the efforts at Police Reform and makes a mockery of the hard work by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Strategic Management Department of the Guyana Police Force to successfully implement a strategic plan aimed at modernizing and reforming the Guyana Police Force,” the ministry said in a statement.

Government is spending millions of dollars to hire local and overseas consultants to overhaul the administration of the police force in line with globally accepted standards.

The Home Ministry said it was awaiting a report on the alleged sexual assault from the Police Force but at any rate it expected “condign action” following a probe and legal advice.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs expects that condign action will be taken by the Commissioner of Police against the Rank(s) found culpable after a speedy, full and proper investigation is  conducted into the allegation and legal advice sought from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions,”

The Guyana Police Force earlier Wednesday said an “incomplete” investigation by ‘A’ Divisional Commander, George Vyphuis has been handed over to the police force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The policeman who allegedly committed the act and video recorded it on his telephone has been placed under close arrest and a number of others who were with him have been transferred to other stations.

Strongly condemning the incident that allegedly occurred on November 15 at Timehri North where Harding was arrested in a house as part of a probe into stolen items, the Home Affairs Ministry said the force’s image has been tarnished.

“The allegation has raised once again public interest as regards treatment of prisoners by Junior Police Ranks who allegedly flaunt the Force’s Standing Orders, thus bringing the Guyana Police Force into disrepute,” said the ministry.

The opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have condemned the Force and the Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes has already given Police Commissioner, Leroy Brummel until Thursday to pay GUY$100 million in damages to Harding or face legal action.