Internal probe of “confrontation” between police rank and civilian

Last Updated on Monday, 6 April 2026, 21:19 by Writer

Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken on Monday instructed an internal probe into an alleged confrontation between an off-duty assistant superintendent of police.

“The conduct displayed in the video has been brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, who has since directed the Office of Professional Responsibility to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the Guyana Police Force said.

The police force did not name the officer, but issued an official statement accompanying a video that was posted on social media.

In the video, a man could be seen and heard threatening another man: “I would kill you”. Two uniformed policemen were also seen pacifying both men.

“The Guyana Police Force wishes to make it clear that professional conduct, restraint and accountability are expected of all ranks, whether on or off duty and any behaviour found to be inconsistent with the standards of the Force will be addressed in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures,” the force said.

The police force said further information would be provided as it becomes available.

The law enforcement agency sought to assure the public that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and public trust and treats all allegations of misconduct with the seriousness they warrant.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Himnauth Sawh, who was sanctioned by the United States’ Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on June 5, 2025 for his alleged role in narco-trafficking, remains on administrative leave.

Mr Sawh was the Commander for Region One (Barima-Waini) in September, 2024 when a joint operation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) unearthed 4.4 tonnes of cocaine buried underground near an illegal airstrip on the outskirts of Mabaruma.