At Special Constabulary farewell…
McDonald blasts cops for writing to the Press
Guyana Chronicle
February 14, 2004
ACTING Commissioner of Police, Mr Floyd McDonald blasted cops on Thursday, for what he called their “distasteful habit of writing to the Press to air their grievances.”
He told a farewell parade of ranks, assembled at the Special Constabulary Princes Street, Georgetown headquarters, that the practice could breed “a lot of unnecessary problems” and they should use the “correct medium” such as the Police Association to air their grievances when difficulties arise.
McDonald said he was not aware of the reasons for them engaging in separate communications with the Press as a “police source”.
Referring, as well, to the daily appearance in the Press of the term “police source”, he admonished his audience to dissociate themselves, individually, from such conduct.
McDonald, who demits office next week, urged personnel at the Constabulary “to be professional”.
He alluded to many reports of thefts “right under their noses” while they are on duty and said the Guyana Police Force, usually, has to deal with those incidents and repay for what is stolen.
Earlier, McDonald arrived at the Wortmanville location, adjacent to the northern section of Le Repentir cemetery, escorted by motorcycle outriders for a programme including a parade inspection and a march past.
The Police Force Band entertained the gathering, in addition to songs and a dance.
In a parting message, McDonald exhorted the Constabulary to continue its hard work, noting that the unit is a very integral part of the Force.
He said the Constabulary has been playing an important role although not directly in relation to the security of the country.
McDonald observed too, that, “policing is here to stay…even as many come and go, the entity will remain functional as the years go by.”
He was presented with two gifts as a token of appreciation for his 37 years service, during which he served in the Traffic Department, Brickdam Police Station, the Finance Department and as Crime Chief in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department.