Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will face penalties for turning off their body cameras, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has confirmed.
During an interview on the Starting Point Podcast, the security minister shared that since the introduction of body cameras, there has been some resistance to the initiative by members of the force. However, she noted that there are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place which require the cameras to remain on at all times while an officer is on duty.
She pointed out that according to the SOPs, it is an offence for any officer to delete footage.
“The SOPs are very clear about that, that you should not delete or turn off at any time,” Minister Walrond said.
She emphasised that any rank who deletes footage can face disciplinary proceedings.
“You can be demoted,” the minister stated.
Explaining the body camera process, Minister Waldron said that the data is not reviewed every day, unless it is necessary to do so. She noted that each region has a command centre where the data is downloaded and stored at the end of the day.
“So, it’s not every day that you are viewing the footage, but the footage has to be available for viewing at any time that the police would like,” she explained.
The minister said the body camera initiative has largely been embraced as it strengthens accountability. As such, she noted that the initiative will be expanded and that in the next budget, there will be an allocation for this.
Further, Minister Walrond noted that the use of body cameras removes the element of flawed witness testimony in some cases. She noted, too, that the idea ensures greater transparency.
“The police officer is also aware that his or her actions are going to be recorded as well.”
According to Walrond, under her leadership, allegations of bribery against members of the Joint Services, especially police ranks, will be taken seriously, whether it involves $200 or $2 million.
“It is a scourge in this society that we have to tackle head-on,” she said, adding that bribery allegations have been treated too casually in the past.
Minister Waldron also encouraged citizens to report incidents of bribery. “Take the pictures. Do the record,” she urged.