Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has firmly reaffirmed that there is “no tolerance” for the mistreatment of individuals in police custody, as authorities simultaneously investigate several incidents involving alleged misconduct by members of the Guyana Police Force.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a recent event, Walrond said her office treats all such reports with the utmost seriousness.
“I have had to deal with similar kinds of report and they have been dealt with very seriously. These things are taken extremely seriously by my office,” the Minister said.
Her comments come in the wake of the death of 30-year-old Otis Payne, who died while in police custody on March 24. Addressing allegations that Payne was beaten by officers prior to his death, Walrond said the footage reviewed by her office does not support that claim.
“We have seen footage that does not bear credence to that claim,” she stated.
Separately, the Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into a video circulating on social media that appears to show an off-duty Assistant Superintendent of Police engaged in a confrontation with a civilian and using threatening language. The matter was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, who directed the Office of Professional Responsibility to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.
The Force emphasised that the conduct displayed in the video is being treated seriously, stressing that all ranks — regardless of whether they are on or off duty — are expected to uphold standards of professionalism, restraint, and accountability at all times.
“Any behaviour found to be inconsistent with the standards of the Force will be addressed in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures,” the Force said in a statement, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining public trust and handling all allegations of misconduct with the gravity they warrant.
