Though lawfully catered for, the use of non-lethal measures such as tasers, by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in the execution of their duties is a last resort.

But if the need arises and they have to be used, Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner, Mahendra Singh, is urging ranks to apply the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) which governs its use.

“Tasers are like firearms, but not as lethal. It’s far less than lethal.

“SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are there to cater for the use of it and it’s a last resort, it’s not a first resort,” Singh told the News Room during a recent interview at the sidelines of an event.

Foot patrol Police must have pepper spray, tasers- Benn

The use of non-lethal measures such as tasers, pepper sprays and batons were implemented to stop attacks on Police ranks by civilians. Singh said the law was amended to cater for this, and there are SOPs which govern the use of items.

“Don’t go the way of attacking and then when the tasers are applied for which they are lawfully catered for then you would complain too,” Singh advised.

He urged the public to report unprofessional conduct of Police to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) or the force superiors instead of taking matters in their own hands.

“I am not making a case that the Police are like so white and clean and not tardy and performing their duties but I am putting you on notice, two wrongs don’t make a right and if you see that the Police are confirming to unprofessional conduct report them to the OPR,” Singh said.