See below full statement from the Guyana Police Force
Implementation of the Standard Operating Procedure for
Handling Reports of Missing Children and Persons
The Guyana Police Force remains unwavering in its commitment to the protection and welfare of all citizens, with special emphasis on our most vulnerable groups. In this regard, The GPF has outlined procedures for the effective handling of reports involving missing children and persons. These procedures ensure a standardised and coordinated response across all Divisions, Police Stations, Outposts, and the Missing Children/Persons Unit (MCPU). It mandates that all reports be treated with the highest level of seriousness, sensitivity, and professionalism, in keeping with best practices and the human rights framework.
𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐎𝐏 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠:
𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞: All missing person reports must be acted upon without delay. There is no mandatory 24-hour waiting period.
𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬: A Red Alert will be immediately issued for any report involving a missing child, triggering a national coordinated response.
𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Special attention will be given to children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities or vulnerabilities, who will be classified as high-risk, warranting immediate deployment of additional resources.
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The Force will continue to work collaboratively with the Child Care and Protection Agency, Immigration Department, health institutions, shelters, and other critical partners to ensure a comprehensive and effective response.
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: The Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) will disseminate timely and accurate public notices regarding missing persons, upon authorization from the Office of the Commissioner.
𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Divisional Commanders and the Missing Children/Persons Unit (MCPU) will maintain daily oversight of all active investigations and provide regular updates until each case is resolved.
Additionally, the Heads of Services — including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief Fire Officer, and Director of Prisons — will be notified promptly by the Commissioner of Police in all cases involving missing children or vulnerable individuals.
All officers of the Guyana Police Force are reminded that failure to comply with the provisions of this SOP, without lawful justification, will result in administrative review and disciplinary action as prescribed by the Standing Orders of the Force and the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01.
The Guyana Police Force takes its responsibility to protect life and ensure public safety with the utmost seriousness. The implementation of this SOP underscores our renewed commitment to act swiftly, lawfully, and compassionately when a person is reported missing. We urge members of the public to work with us by providing timely information to aid in the safe recovery of missing persons.
The Guyana Police Force remains dedicated to serving with professionalism, integrity, and vigilance.
