Corrupt cops given ultimatum…“Turn in your badges by Monday”- Brumell
Commissioner of Police (ag) Leroy Brumell has given his ranks up to tomorrow (Monday) to turn in their badges if they cannot control the urge to continue their corrupt practices.
Speaking at the conclusion of the force’s 173rd anniversary route march through the city yesterday, the acting top cop said that he was irked by a recent item in the press which called for the fight against corruption to start with the Guyana Police Force, which was described as the most corrupt organization in the country.
Police Officers salute Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee outside the Ministry’s Brickdam office yesterday.
In declaring what he described as an amnesty, Brumell who was presiding at his first anniversary celebration as the nation’s top lawman, acknowledged that there is need for much work to be done to repair the damaged image of the force in terms of its integrity.
“By Monday, if you cannot stop besmirching the image of this force, bring in your resignation. We want this stigma removed,” Brumell told a gathering of close to 1000 ranks and civilians at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square.
Yesterday’s parade was one of the largest seen in years, with 28 units and three bands, made up of 33 Officers, 32 Inspectors and 883 other ranks.
Police Scout groups from Linden, Agricola and Mahaicony, in addition to members of the Community and Neighbourhood Policing groups, were all part of the parade.
So impressive were the turnout and display that judges of the parade were hard pressed to separate the various units vying for the top prize.
In the end it was the slick-looking Tactical Services Unit and the Felix Austin Police College (Georgetown) who captured the top male and female prizes respectively. The TSU also carted off the best overall unit trophy.
“When I saw the turnout today, I must say that I am proud to be a part of this as the Acting Commissioner of Police” Brumell said.
He commended his Divisional Commanders for the work they have been doing to reduce crime and traffic lawlessness. However, he stated that every crime and every accident is one too many.
Brumell said that he welcomes criticisms of the force, which according to him, will always be directed at the Guyana Police Force, especially if attitudes within the organization do not change.
He referred to the way some ranks speak to members of the public, even in the presence of their supervisors.
“We have upgraded buildings and our attitudes must be upgraded to match those buildings,” Brumell declared.
The Force’s anniversary celebrations will continue with a Night of Boxing on Friday, July 13, at the TSU Drill Square, Police Headquarters.
Commissioner of Police (ag) Leroy Brumell takes the salute during the Force’s 173rd anniversary route march through the city.
The much anticipated Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, July 20, also at the Drill Square, where police ranks, members of Community Policing Groups and Neighbourhood Policing Groups, will receive Awards/Incentives for outstanding work performance. The force will remember its ranks who were killed in the line of duty at a special wreath-laying Ceremony at the Force’s Monument for Fallen Heroes on Sunday, July 22.
The anniversary events will continue with a Handgun Shooting Competition on Thursday, July 26, at the TSU mini-range, while there will be a Scouts Day at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, on Sunday, July 29.
The Force’s Annual Athletics Championships, which will be held between July 24 and 27 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, are also part of the anniversary celebrations.
In addition, the Force will be holding several other events which fall under the ambit of its Anniversary celebrations, but which will be conducted in subsequent months.
These include a number of Gymkhanas in the Policing Divisions, the Force Drill Competition, the Force First Aid Competition, Debating Competition and Essay Competition.
