Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken has announced that stricter accountability measures will be enforced in 2026 as part of an effort to combat misconduct and corruption within the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Speaking at the Region 4A Annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Monday, Hicken acknowledged the significant improvements in operational performance, particularly the increased seizure of illegal firearms, drugs, and other illicit items.
“Under operations, it was established for you to increase the seizure of guns, drugs, and everything that is unlawful. That is happening,” he stated.
However, Hicken also emphasized the necessity for enhanced discipline and adherence to defined roles within the Force. “Traffic police are traffic police, general duty police are general duty police, anti-crime police are anti-crime police,” he stressed. This phased structure is aimed at minimizing internal conflicts and reducing opportunities for corruption.
The Commissioner urged officers to uphold the highest professional standards, noting that the administration is closely monitoring conduct across all divisions. “Maintain the posture that we give to you. We already have about 25 police officers before the courts. We don’t want to add to it,” Hicken warned.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Hicken indicated that accountability measures would be even more stringent in the coming year. He revealed that quarterly monitoring and evaluation of police performance have already begun, with stricter controls slated for implementation in 2026.
“For next year, it is going to be more serious,” he cautioned.
Additionally, he advised ranks against operating outside of established command structures. “Don’t think that you are going to go to a region and do your own thing. You’re just going to see a message coming to you, and you’re going to come to headquarters for development,” he added.
The renewed focus on accountability aims to ensure that the GPF maintains public trust and effectively serves the community while upholding the law.
