The Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC) of Enquiry yesterday heard recommendations for the organisation of a Guyana Police Force (GPF) which would be free of political interference and would offer improved conditions of employment for its members.

When the commission's public hearings continued yesterday at the Supreme Court Law Library, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde and PNC Rose Hall Town Councillor, Winston Hope testified. The commission is to give priority to its investigation of the Police Force, on which it is to submit a report of its findings to the National Assembly within the next three months.

Justice of Appeal Ian Chang chairs the Commission which also includes former Attorney-General Charles Ramson, SC; former National Security Adviser, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger; attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall; and Irish human-rights activist, Maggie Beirne.

The union said that what was necessary for the transformation of the Police Force into "a professional body" was the appointment of the Commissioner of Police- improved remuneration and a better quality of training and conditions of employment; structural enforcement and no political interference and the improvement of the relationship between police/disciplined services and the community.

Also recommended were: the review of all extra-judicial killings for possible legal action; the withdrawal/recall of all firearms from the public and the establishment of proper criteria for issuance of weapon licences and the unionisation of the GPF as well as the other disciplined services. This is to realise the GPSU's vision of the force as a well-structured, disciplined, efficient and effective agency which can enjoy the confidence and respect of the populace in keeping with the motto, "Service and Protection."

Under cross-examination by the Commission's legal advisor, Bertlyn Reynolds, Yarde was asked how the unionisation of the force would create a more efficient service.

He noted that many of the abuses and irregularities which occurred would not, citing the case of `B' Divison Commander Paul Slowe, who was forced to seek redress in the Supreme Court after a dispute with Home Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj over a policing matter.

In support of his arguments he noted that the national law enforcement agencies in Barbados, St Lucia and Suriname were all unionised.

Explaining that the GPSU was very concerned about methods of policing employed by the force, he noted that this was particularly apt in cases of public-order policing, where he said members of the union were often physically abused during peaceful demonstrations or marches.

Alleging political interference in the operations of the GPF, he again cited the case of Slowe as well as the activities of the Anti-Crime Task Force or the `Black Clothes,' which he said functioned in relative autonomy. He referred to the alleged atrocities of this particular unit and submitted that their activities were usually justified by authorities.

"What is of concern is the public defence for these atrocities, while there were criticisms made by human-rights organisations and international organisations like Amnesty International."

Yarde was then subjected to intense scrutiny by Ramson, who questioned him about his union's participation in activities with members of the political opposition and whether there was cogent evidence of allegations of the abuses and political interference.

The inquisition continued until the end of the afternoon session. Yarde will be recalled to complete his submissions at a later date. During the questioning there was a pointed exchange between Ramson and Yarde in relation to an incident that occurred between the two of them at a function in 1993. This exchange was followed by questions from Ramson to Yarde on the alleged participation of executive GPSU members in activities with opposition groups. Yarde said the questions were of no relevance to the matters before the DFC.

Earlier, Hope, who is PNCR secretary in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), advocated the strict adherence to the statutory age of retirement for public servants. He also recommended changes in the police procedures of arrest, in view of what he said, his own wrongful detention following the Rose Hall siege on July 21, 2002, when a large gang of armed bandits went on a rampage killing three persons.

Hope, who lives at 184 Third Street Rose Hall Town, was arrested four days after the armed assault, to which the police had claimed he was linked.

The man recounted that around 5:30 am on July 25, police knocked on his door. The officer in charge of the heavily armed party of twelve policemen, told him that they were searching for arms and ammunition and criminals in his house.

"I told the police leading the team that we did not have such things..."

Hope said he asked the officer for a warrant and although he had none he allowed him to enter the house to conduct the search. Nothing was unearthed, however Hope said the officer still requested that he accompany them to the Albion Police Station. He was placed in the back of the police pick-up among the ranks with the "long guns" and as his neighbours watched he was taken to two other houses where his brother-in-law and another person were picked up and taken to the station. There, the officer informed everyone in the station that they were not to say anything to the men, who were also instructed not to talk to anyone until further instructions were communicated. At 4 pm, he said, despite his request for an attorney he was interrogated by an officer who asked him whether he was related to any of the February 23 prison escapees, if he had ever been imprisoned and whether he had ever applied for a firearms licence. Afterward he was placed in a cell until sometime between 9 and 10 pm, when he was instructed to go home and return in the morning. He was made to walk three miles, from Albion to his home in Rose Hall Town, as police could not afford transportation.

When asked what effect his public arrest had on him, he said he was traumatised by the incident and felt denigrated since he had lived in the area for 20 years and has always been a law-abiding citizen.

Hope recommended that instead of this approach, the police could have conducted a reconnaissance or carried out proper surveillance in lieu of confronting him with unfounded allegations.

Among his other proposals were the assurance that a senior officer accompany ranks on their raids, in order to ensure the adherence to proper procedure and accountability. He said such a practice had already been implemented in Trinidad and Tobago, which like Guyana had been plagued with crime over the last year. The improvement of the remuneration and living conditions for members of the force was also suggested.

Of his experience, Hope said he did not report the incident to the Police Complaints Authority, since he had no faith in the ability of the police to investigate themselves. He said he had however undertaken private legal action against the police to seek redress.