Drivers increasingly becoming ‘fed up’ with traffic cops regular requests for bribe
Clement Rohee. Photo courtesy www.guyanatimesgy.com
Caribbean news. SEVERAL reports reached the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that five armed ranks, posted at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, were stopping drivers for non-legitimate reasons and making unlawful demands for money.Additionally, a Chronicle reporter was stopped Sunday afternoon and spoken to by police ranks in a harsh manner outside a Georgetown Chinese restaurant while, indirectly, requesting cash.
The cops, unaware that the individual was a media person, proceeded to suggest that a traffic offence was committed, which would necessitate a possible charge.
The reporter indicated that the matter should be taken to the nearest police station, a suggestion that was agreed to by the three ranks, but on arrival at the precinct, one of the three ranks, without providing any written documentation, told the one on duty “Do the necessary” and left.
Drivers have declared that they are ‘fed up’ with the increasingly prevalent practice of some traffic policemen, who intimidate motorists with exaggerated offences to coerce them into paying bribes. The conduct is, unfortunately, becoming a norm in Guyanese society.
The on duty officer, in a very courteous manner, looked over the reporter’s documents and permitted the latter to leave the premises.
Sunday’s reports were the most recent of complaints from drivers who have declared that they are “fed up” with the increasingly prevalent practice of some traffic policemen, who intimidate motorists with exaggerated offences to coerce them into paying bribes. The conduct is, unfortunately, becoming a norm in Guyanese society.
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
In an invited comment, Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee told this newspaper (Guyana Chronicle), yesterday, that citizens must not give in to the unlawful requests, particularly since paying a bribe is a criminal activity.
He said citizens must report the time, place and rank demanding monies.
“The public can either go to the Home Affairs Ministry, the Police Complaints Authority or even to the media. Those who have access to the Internet can also make a report on the anonymous ‘I Paid a Bribe’ website if they did pay,” he said.
Photo courtesy www.virtualtourist.com
Regarding the latter, Minister Rohee explained that the complaints recorded on the website are forwarded to the relevant agencies for actions to be taken and a monthly report is forwarded to the Home Affairs Ministry on what actions were taken against the offending officer or officers.
As of yesterday, the ‘I Paid a Bribe’ website stated that $136,000 was paid in bribes to traffic officers.
The Home Affairs Minister acknowledged that the actions of a few ranks, in a Police Force of hundreds, do undermine public confidence in it.
However, he appealed for the public to recognise that there are many “decent and honest” police officers who hold the interest of the people as the focus of their service.
On that note, Rohee addressed the upcoming implementation of the demerit system, which targets errant drivers by way of points for strict sanctions and contended that the few “bad apples” will not affect its successful introduction.
“When we have reports of police ranks engaging in corrupt actions, it will cause people to doubt the success of a system like this, but there are honest and decent officers in the ranks…The baby should not be thrown out with the bath water,” he stressed.
The minister reiterated that where there is evidence the errant police officers will be dealt with by the Commissioner of Police.
“This is a serious issue that I will be taking up with the Police Commissioner,” he said.
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