Facing serious allegations of misconduct in office, Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus was Wednesday dismissed from the Guyana Police Force.
His dismissal was communicated via a letter from the Police Service Commission. His dismissal is effective from Wednesday (February 5).
The dismissal was recommended by a Police Service Commission Tribunal, which was established to investigate disciplinary charges against Brutus, following allegations of serious misconduct during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Hearings were held but Mr. Brutus, though invited, did not appear.
Two disciplinary charges were laid against him for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline contrary to section 4(z) of the Police (Discipline) Act chapter 17:01.
“Pursuant to the said inquiry hearings, the Tribunal submitted a Report to the Commission which was considered at the Commisison’s statutory meeting on February 5, 2025. After thoroughly reviewing the Report, the Commission has unanimously concluded that the inquiry established your culpability regarding the aforementioned two charges against you,” the letter noted.
Corruption Scandal: Brutus and associates charged with financial crimes
The charges stemmed from actions carried out between August 2020 and July 2024, and the tribunal delved 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 Tribunal, which convened for the first time on 22nd January 2025, was tasked with investigating two specific allegations against Brutus:
Improper Use of Welfare Fund
Brutus was 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.
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.
