Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh has argued that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) lacks the authority to
investigate him because his appointment is constitutional, amid controversy surrounding a police anti-crime operation that was
captured on video and circulated on social media.
investigate him because his appointment is constitutional, amid controversy surrounding a police anti-crime operation that was
captured on video and circulated on social media.
Speaking during a telephone interview with this newscast, Karimbaksh said Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken could not have lawfully
directed the OPR to investigate the May 3rd operation, which involved the deputy commissioner, a police corporal, and a police constable.
directed the OPR to investigate the May 3rd operation, which involved the deputy commissioner, a police corporal, and a police constable.
Karimbaksh maintained that the OPR is mandated to investigate misconduct among junior police ranks, specifically from the level of
sergeant downward.The probe follows the circulation of a social media video showing a police corporal conducting an anti-crime exercise during which he
stopped a heavily tinted vehicle being driven by a woman.
sergeant downward.The probe follows the circulation of a social media video showing a police corporal conducting an anti-crime exercise during which he
stopped a heavily tinted vehicle being driven by a woman.
According to reports, after the vehicle was stopped, the officer was handed a cellular phone.
A voice on the line, identified as Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh, allegedly instructed the officer to focus oncrime rather than traffic-related matters.
Hicken made the comment during a Police Round Up Program with Marcia Hope.
He said that, as a senior officer in the Guyana Police Force, he has the authority to intervene in any action taken by a junior rank that
breaches administrative policy, instructions, or standard operating procedures (SOPs). According to the Deputy Commissioner, in this case,
there was an administrative instruction issued by the commissioner himself that anti-crime ranks should not be involved in enforcing
traffic laws.
breaches administrative policy, instructions, or standard operating procedures (SOPs). According to the Deputy Commissioner, in this case,
there was an administrative instruction issued by the commissioner himself that anti-crime ranks should not be involved in enforcing
traffic laws.
Karimbaksh, however, said both he and the junior officer involved in the incident filed reports with the OPR, which subsequently triggered
the investigation.
the investigation.
Hicken also stated that the video circulating on social media confirmed that the police officer involved in the incident was acting
lawfully during the operation.
lawfully during the operation.