The Guyana Police Force sent more than 7000 files to the Office of the Director of Public (DPP) Prosecutions this year for legal advice. This is according to statistics from the DPP’s Office.
The offences that needed advice were, murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, causing death by dangerous driving, possession of illegal arms and ammunition, financial crimes, and possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Advice on legal proceedings for these offences were recorded during the period of January to December of this year. The statistics show that a total of 7,294 files were sent to the DPP’s chambers.
Meanwhile, the DPP’s office outlined that apart from providing legal advice to the police in criminal matters, it also provided other services throughout 2022.
The DPP’s office said that there were four criminal assizes this year in the county of Demerara and three assizes each in the counties of Berbice and Essequibo.
The department said that it also arranged plea bargain agreements with lawyers at their request.
In addition, the office said that if desirous, prisoners who are awaiting trial in the High Courts and other parties to a criminal matter can complain to the DPP if they are not satisfied with either the outcome or status of an investigation.
It further stated that this year, it also received a number of letters from attorneys-at-law about issues concerning their clients’ cases. The office of the DPP said that in these cases, appropriate action would be taken.
The DPP’s office said that during 2022 it also offered legal advice to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), and other government agencies.
Among other things, the functions of the DPP include presenting indictments in the criminal sessions at the High Courts in Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo.
