Commissioner of Police Clifton Hickens has expressed concern over the recent intervention by Deputy Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh during what he described as a lawful operation conducted by police ranks.
Addressing the matter, the Police Commissioner said the intervention “is concerning” since it appeared to have been made “without verification and outside the chain of command.”
The comments come in the wake of a viral recording circulating on social media in which it is alleged that the Deputy Commissioner interfered with and obstructed a lawful police operation.
Hickens explained that while traffic ranks are primarily tasked with stopping vehicles under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, anti-crime ranks are also legally empowered to stop and search vehicles in the execution of their duties.
According to the Commissioner, the matter has since been referred to the Guyana Police Force Office of Professional Responsibility(OPR) and an investigation has been launched.
The Guyana Police Force, he added, remains committed to transparency and accountability as the probe continues.
