Attorney General Supports Police Directive to End Arbitrary Vehicle Stops

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, has expressed support for a recent directive issued by Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, which prohibits members of the Guyana Police Force from arbitrarily stopping vehicles and demanding that drivers produce their licences.

This move, announced during the commissioning ceremony of the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court in Region Eight, reflects a positive shift in policing practices in Guyana.

The directive also requires police officers to ensure their body cameras are activated when engaging with the public on the road. This measure aims to enhance accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Arbitrary stops, often followed by a series of unwarranted inspections, have long been criticized as improper and lacking reasonable cause or suspicion.

The Attorney General emphasized the importance of respecting citizens’ rights, noting that the public is becoming increasingly aware of the legal standards governing police conduct.

This awareness places a greater responsibility on the police force and the broader legal system to maintain high standards of fairness, transparency, and adherence to the law.In addition, the legal affairs minister indicated plans to improve mechanisms for the public to lodge complaints about the professional conduct of lawyers.

While a system currently exists, he acknowledged public dissatisfaction with its effectiveness and called for reforms to address these concerns.

This initiative aligns with the evolving expectations of a more informed society, demanding improved accountability and efficiency across the legal and law enforcement sectors.