Charge persons offering bribes, top cop tells Sergeants’ Conference

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken on Wednesday warned sergeants against accepting bribes and said members of the public who attempt to bribe officers must be charged.

Speaking at the opening of the Guyana Police Force Sergeants’ Conference, Hicken said corruption involves both the giver and the receiver and accused some ranks of facilitating the practice by accepting illicit payments.

“If you become corrupt, it’s because there is a giver and you are the receiver,” Hicken said. “As of today, stop receiving, and persons must be charged when they come to bribe the police. I am making myself very clear or else other things will happen.”

Hicken stressed the pivotal role of sergeants, describing them as frontline leaders responsible for translating the Force’s strategy and structure into daily operations, including patrols, traffic enforcement and investigations.

He said Guyana’s rapid development requires a modern police force grounded not only in equipment but in supervision, accountability, discipline and leadership, particularly at the mid-level ranks.

The commissioner’s remarks come amid efforts by the Force’s leadership to address internal misconduct and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement.