Cop under probe

George was driving near Bhagwansingh’s Hardware when he was stopped by an officer and issued the ticket following what was described as a confrontation.

George later filed a complaint against the action of the officer with the PCA.

On Thursday, a notice was served to PC Guevara by Cpl Salandy of the Police Complaints Division. It stated that the officer in the company of others loudly and roughly demanded that George produce his driver’s permit after it was determined that he had committed an offence by make use of a mobile device while driving.

The notice further stated that the officer snatched George’s mobile phone and twisted his arms. The officer is then alleged to have unlawfully arrested and handcuffed George, held him in a vice-like grip and carried him away. George was later released and given a ticket. Secretary of the Police Social Welfare Association (PSWA) Ag ASP Anand Ramesar said he was very surprised to learn that the officer had been served with a notice, for simply doing his job.

“This particular incident remains one of interest to the Association.

Looking at recent history this is the third time a police officer had cause to interact with a member of the PSC in relation to a suspected traffic violation. It is most unfortunate that PC Guevara, whom the Association is satisfied was carrying out his duty, is now the subject of a disciplinary investigation and the Association believes it is high time that a standard of conduct required to be used by members of the Police Service Commission, when they interact with police officers, be implemented.

“It is very easy for situations to arise where the role of the police officer is trivialised and office holders feel they are ‘too big’ for the police to talk to them. The Association is calling on the Prime Minister to look at the retention of attorney Martin George to the PSC because it is the Association’s view that this particular incident is sufficient to disqualify the continued retention of George on the PSC,” Ag ASP Ramesar said.

He said the serving of this notice is bound to affect the family life and the police life of PC Guevara but reiterated that the Association stands firmly and fully behind the officer and is paying very close attention to this issue.