The Police Service Commission (PSC) has established a tribunal to inquire into allegations of disciplinary breaches and discreditable conduct against Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Calvin Brutus.
The PSC can exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in offices above the rank of Inspector of Police of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The tribunal, appointed under the Police (Discipline) Act and the Constitution of Guyana, is chaired by Assistant Solicitor General Shoshanna Lall, with former Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and attorney-at-law Keoma Griffith as members.
The panel will examine allegations that on January 11, 2024, Brutus while performing the functions of Deputy Commissioner of Police allegedly authorised payment of $13.6 million from the Guyana Police Force’s Welfare Fund for government-procured goods, violating internal procedures.
Furthermore, the tribunal is hearing allegations that he allegedly caused records to falsely indicate the delivery of goods worth $101.4 million to the Police Force, leading to unwarranted payments.
The tribunal began hearings on January 22, 2025, but Brutus was absent, citing medical reasons supported by a certificate from his doctor.
However, when summoned, the doctor testified that Brutus’ condition was not severe enough to prevent him from attending virtually or in person.
The medical certificate was recalled after the doctor admitted being unaware of the tribunal’s schedule when issuing it.
Brutus failed to appear at subsequent hearings despite being served with a summons at his Police Officers’ Mess Compound, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary apartment.
A new summons has been issued for Brutus to appear on January 27, 2025, either in person or virtually. The tribunal’s life expires in 28 days, save for any extensions granted by the Police Service Commission.
“It is hoped that these proceedings can be completed within a reasonable timeframe to allow the Tribunal to deliberate and prepare its report in writing and submit same to the Police Service Commission, as its Terms of Reference require,” Secretary of the Tribunal Hugh Park stated.
Brutus is currently before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, facing over 200 charges relating to financial crimes. Premised on this, the tribunal said it does not intend, in any way, to infringe on those proceedings or on Brutus’ right to defend himself before that forum properly.
