Guyana: Permanent Training of Police Recommended Amid Lawsuits

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has proposed the establishment of a permanent training program for members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at all ranks. This recommendation comes in response to concerns regarding the increasing number of civil lawsuits filed against the police for alleged violations of constitutional rights. Deputy Solicitor-General Shoshanna Lall addressed this issue during the opening of a joint training program for the police and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which is part of the Partnership of the Caribbean and European Union (PACE) Justice Project, co-financed by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ms. Lall indicated that discussions have already taken place between Mr. Nandlall, DPP Director Shalimar Hack, and UNDP officials regarding the proposed training program. This program would focus on various aspects of criminal law, including legal practice and procedure, constitutional law, relevant statutes, new legislation, amendments, and the issuance of tickets for traffic offenses. Additionally, it would cover the relationship between constitutional rights and civilian freedoms, as well as repealed laws and case law.

While acknowledging the police’s contributions, Ms. Lall emphasized the necessity for them to fully understand and implement the law. She noted that records from the Attorney General’s Chambers indicate a significant number of lawsuits being filed against the police force for alleged constitutional rights violations. “When the police run afoul of these rights and freedoms, civil proceedings are filed, and we have to defend these actions,” she stated. Furthermore, with the judiciary set to launch new criminal code rules later this year, additional training will be required for police, prosecutors, judges, and lawyers.

Source: demerarawaves.com