Possible carelessness, negligence among cops being investigated
-Acting Commissioner Brummel
ACTING Commissioner of Police Leroy Brummel said, yesterday, that the police are conducting investigations to ascertain exactly how a service rifle, that was being used by a  rank, fell into the Demerara River. Speaking on the telephone, he added that the policeman is being questioned by investigators and internal sanctions could be possible.
Brummel said the rank told his superiors that the sling of the M70 rifle burst, causing the weapon to fall into the water.
According to the Top Cop, while the man has given his account of what transpired, standard operating procedure (SOP) stipulates that an investigation be carried out and, should it reveal that the investigators or his seniors are being misled, then departmental sanctions will follow.
Brummel also explained that charging the policeman is among the actions that can be taken.
Meanwhile, the gun was recovered from the river bed during a diving exercise by searching investigators.
It was reported that the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) member was performing guard duties on one of the recently acquired roll-on, roll-off ferries when the rifle fell out of his hands. The vessels are moored at the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Stabroek Stelling in Georgetown, until they are put into operation after training of the crews is completed.
Meanwhile, Brummel blamed negligence for the shooting of another policeman in the compound of Brickdam Station during a handing over of duties formality and said the incident must be thoroughly investigated to determine how such carelessness could be exercised between professionals.
He warned, though, that if there is only an iota of evidence that the ranks were playing or negligence was involved, they will be dealt with seriously. Those involved could be charged and placed before the Courts if the occurrence was not accidental.
The officer, who was shot and injured, Constable Brown, is still a patient in Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).