Brutus absent as tribunal meets to investigate alleged misconduct

A Police Service Commission Tribunal has been established to investigate disciplinary charges against Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, following allegations of serious misconduct during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Police.

The charges stem from actions carried out between August 2020 and July 2024, and the tribunal is set to delve into claims of breach of discipline and discreditable conduct.

The Police Service Commission, an independent constitutional body empowered under Article 212 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, oversees disciplinary control within the Guyana Police Force, particularly for officers holding ranks above Inspector.

The commission, acting in accordance with the Constitution, has appointed a Tribunal to investigate Mr. Brutus, with Ms. Shoshanna V. Lall as Chairman, and Mr. Keoma Griffith and Mr. Seelall Persaud serving as members.

The Tribunal, which convened for the first time on 22nd January 2025, is tasked with investigating two specific allegations against Brutus:

1. Improper Use of Welfare Fund
   Brutus is accused of directing the payment of over GYD $13.6 million from the Guyana Police Force’s Welfare Fund on 11th January 2024, in violation of Police Standing Orders.

1. Falsification of Police Records
   In December 2023, Brutus allegedly caused records at the Quartermaster Stores to be falsified, leading to a payment of over GYD $101 million for goods purportedly supplied by 3D Construction, despite the transaction being false.

These charges are not criminal in nature and the Tribunal emphasised that it would not interfere with the ongoing criminal proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court and would respect Brutus’ right to a fair defence. The Tribunal says it will uphold the principles of natural justice throughout its investigation.

As per standard procedure, the Tribunal’s proceedings will be conducted in-camera, excluding media and public access. Recordings of the hearings will not be permitted, except for official transcriptions.

Brutus, who is currently on administrative leave, was notably absent during the Tribunal’s initial meeting on 22nd January 2025. A medical certificate, dated 21st January 2025, was presented, claiming Brutus was unfit to attend due to back pain and muscle sprain.

However, upon summoning the attending doctor, the Tribunal was informed that the symptoms described did not warrant the level of incapacitation indicated. The medical certificate was subsequently recalled on 23rd January 2025.

Despite the recall, Brutus failed to attend the Tribunal’s second session on 23rd January 2025, prompting the Tribunal to issue another summons for his appearance on 27th January 2025. The Tribunal described his continued absence and attempts to avoid service as efforts to evade the proceedings.

The Tribunal has a strict 28-day mandate to complete its investigation, ending on 19th February 2025, unless an extension is granted. The findings will be submitted to the Police Service Commission for further action.