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The Ministry of Home Affairs has expressed regret at the fatal shooting of Belle Vue resident Godfrey Jaggroo, while cautioning Community Policing Group members to exercise restraint when armed.Jaggroo, 20, was shot on December 18 last with a firearm owned by the Chairman of the Belle Vue Community Policing Group.The alleged shooter has since been charged with murder, but the incident has raised questions about the conduct of some CPG members, and whether these members should have firearms.“The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to express profound regret at the death of Mr. Godfrey Jaggroo who was fatally shot by the use of a licensed firearm owned by the Chairman of the Belle Vue Community Policing Group,” a release issued yesterday stated.“Community Policing Group members are trained by the Police to engage members of their communities whenever breaches of the law are committed by such members, in a civil and polite manner.”According to the statement, training in the use of firearms is also given to the members, who are required to exercise restraint when armed, and must discharge a firearm in accordance with the rules governing such action.“The Ministry stands completely adamant against any form of unprofessional conduct that besmirches the image of Community Policing in Guyana. The conduct demonstrated will be investigated with the expectation of having a satisfactory outcome. Sincere condolences go out to the aggrieved at this time of their grief and sorrow.”In an interview with Kaieteur News, Alliance for Change Leader Khemraj Ramjattan suggested that CPG members carry stun guns and other equipment,NFL Jerseys Supply, rather than firearms.According to Ramjattan, CPG members are not expected to engage criminals in armed confrontations. Rather, they are supposed to gather information and contact the more equipped Guyana Police Force.“I have asked on numerous occasions for these people to be given stun guns…, which can knock you out, and not kill you. Why don’t they invest in that for the Community Policing Group? That’s the kind of investment that the Alliance For Change would like to see.” |
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