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Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe, has raised significant concerns about the state of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), alleging a deep-rooted pattern of financial impropriety, corruption, and a lack of accountability within the force. Speaking during an appearance on the social media program “In The Ring,” hosted by Sherod Duncan, Slowe offered a scathing critique of the actions and decisions made by senior officers, particularly focusing on Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus.
Slowe, who has a longstanding career in law enforcement, did not mince words when discussing Brutus, referring to his past allegations of financial misconduct. He claimed that even before Brutus rose to his current rank, there were “allegations of financial irregularity” during his tenure in Berbice. These allegations resurfaced in subsequent years, with concerns about the misappropriation of funds earmarked for extra duty fees and other police-related expenditures.
Highlighting an ongoing pattern of alleged malfeasance, Slowe cited instances where Brutus, while serving at the police headquarters, approved significant cash advances for his secretary and driver to conduct investigations—roles that Slowe pointed out are not normally tasked with investigative duties. “The secretary and the driver are not investigators,” he said, adding that such practices raised serious questions about the misuse of public funds.
One of the more explosive claims by Slowe involved the deposit of a substantial sum of money—16.5 million—by Brutus into the police credit union, which was recorded as a “wedding gift.” Slowe expressed disbelief at the scale of such transactions and called for a thorough investigation. He criticized what he viewed as the mishandling of this issue, alleging that officers who attempted to challenge the transaction were victimized. “Ranks were immediately removed,” Slowe said, following their refusal to process the questionable deposit.
In addition to financial improprieties, Slowe also emphasized the broader systemic issues within the GPF, suggesting that these were symptoms of a much deeper problem. He described the environment as one where senior officers, including Brutus, were seemingly untouchable. Slowe was particularly critical of the lack of investigation into the questionable financial activities, stating, “SOCU is not competent enough to do this investigation.”
He went on to criticize the perceived impunity enjoyed by some officers, including the acting Commissioner of Police. Slowe referenced allegations that the acting commissioner attempted to shield Brutus from scrutiny, despite overwhelming evidence. “The acting commissioner lied,” Slowe said, recounting an incident where the commissioner allegedly denied knowledge of an ongoing investigation, only to later admit its existence.
Slowe’s comments reflect a growing concern among many that the GPF is grappling with a culture of corruption and political interference, which undermines public trust in law enforcement. His criticism extended beyond individual officers to the entire system, suggesting that the issues were not isolated but indicative of a much broader failure within the leadership of the force. Civil society continues to call for an urgent reform and accountability at the highest levels of law enforcement in Guyana.
