Dragging of child: ‘Abuse at the highest level,’ says former CPA Director

“Abuse at the highest level,” is how former Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) Director Ann Greene described a video showing a school child being dragged during an intervention, prompting the suspension of two officers attached to the Child Protection Agency (CPA).
In a statement posted to Facebook, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud called the footage appalling and confirmed that the Guyana Police Force has been asked to investigate. She said the officers will be held accountable for conduct that runs counter to the values and operational procedures of the agency and stressed that incidents such as this cannot and will not be tolerated.
Greene said the actions captured in the video reflect serious professional shortcomings. “What is seen is grossly unprofessional and a reflection of the lack of specialised training. It is reported that they are relatively new and should have been under the supervision of a senior officer for whatever exercise activity they were involved,” she stated.
She further described the incident as severe mistreatment. “Every aspect of that activity is gross mistreatment and rehabilitation of a child. It is abuse at the highest level. I know of parents who were charged and not to the extent of what was seen here. This is an example of officers being certified by gain a certificate, but not yet qualified for the job they are appointed to,” Greene said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.