On Monday, April 6, 2026, Guyana’s top law enforcement leadership launched an immediate internal investigation into a reported altercation involving an off-duty senior police officer, following the circulation of a viral video on social media platforms that captured the incident. Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has ordered the force’s Office of Professional Responsibility to launch a full review into the details and context surrounding the confrontation, according to an official statement released by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The viral footage, which the GPF confirmed in its public announcement, shows an unidentified man alleged to be the off-duty assistant superintendent threatening another individual with a deadly threat, stating clearly “I would kill you”. Two uniformed on-duty police officers were also recorded on camera intervening to de-escalate the conflict and calm both parties involved. While the GPF has formally acknowledged the incident and the video’s authenticity, the agency has not released the name or any additional personal details of the off-duty officer under investigation at this stage of the probe.
In its statement, the GPF emphasized that every member of the force, regardless of rank or duty status, is required to adhere to strict standards of professional conduct, emotional restraint, and public accountability. “Any behaviour found to be inconsistent with the standards of the Force will be addressed in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures,” the statement read. The agency also committed to updating the public with new details as the investigation progresses, and reassured citizens that it remains dedicated to upholding the highest levels of professional practice and maintaining public trust. All allegations of officer misconduct, the GPF noted, are treated with the full level of seriousness they deserve.
Alongside the announcement of the new investigation, the GPF also indirectly addressed an ongoing high-profile case involving another senior officer. Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, who was sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2025 over allegations of involvement in international narcotics trafficking, remains on administrative leave from the force. Sawh was serving as the Commander for Region One (Barima-Waini) in September 2024 when a joint operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) discovered 4.4 tonnes of cocaine buried underground near an unapproved airstrip on the outskirts of Mabaruma. No additional updates on Sawh’s status or the related investigation were provided alongside the announcement of the new probe.