Acting Top Cop expresses concern over interior murders
ACTING Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell yesterday expressed concern over the number of disorderly murders that have taken place in the interior. Speaking at the opening of the annual Police Officers Conference in the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown, he said 30 of the 53 took place in hinterland locations and, as gold prices soar internationally, there has been a noted increase in mining.
Brumell said more persons are venturing into the interior and, coupled with the terrain, disrupt the ability to respond to crimes in a timely manner.
He said, during the three-day conference, a team of officers will focus on the interior divisions in which more effective management and control measures will be discussed and formalised.
Notwithstanding that, a number of police checkpoints were established in E&F Divisions, as well as roving patrols in mining and logging communities where ranks conduct stop and search operations and the GPF has been working closely with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and other stakeholders.
Giving statistics, Brumell revealed that, at the end of 2011, the crime record showed that there was a four percent rise in serious crimes in comparison with this year, in which was recorded a seven percent decrease in murders.
He said the GPF recorded 120 murders in 2011 as compared to 140 in 2010 and, during 2011, there were 23 murders which were committed through armed robberies, 25 domestic related, 53 disorderly (altercations between persons), five execution type and 24 unknown.
Brumell said there has been a minimum one percent rise in robberies in which firearms were used and the GPF recorded 562 in 2011, eight less than the 570 in 2010.

More robberies
The Top Cop added that there have been more robberies using firearms and other instruments as well as robbery with violence which contributed to the overall four per cent increase last year.
Brumell reported 317 armed robberies where instruments and firearms were used in 2011, as against 257 in 2010 which tallied to 23 per cent more.
He pointed out that 155 of robberies with violence were recorded in 2011 a 31 percent increase over the 126 in 2010.
The Commissioner said, in February 2012, the GPF recorded a two percent hike in serious crimes as the same period last year and, for robbery under arms, there was some increase but less reports of murder and break and enter and larceny.
Brumell said, while armed robberies present a challenge, the GPF has managed to neutralise several criminal gangs over the past six years in which the Cobra, Aranka, Kurt Thierens and Rondell Rawlins ‘Fine Man’ groups were dismantled.
He claimed the GPF has also maintained control over that type of criminal activities and, as such, a better climate for business and social activities was realised.
Brumell said, recently, good work by some ranks led to the dismantling of an emerging group of criminals at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, in which a firearm was seized and four men placed before the court were remanded to prison.
He said the conference was convened to analyse their operations, administrative procedures and strategies in dealing with crime, traffic and other responsibilities in keeping with the GPF plan and mandate for the future of policing, so that they can maintain their mission under the Police Act of the Laws of Guyana, Chapter 16:01.

Middle managers
According to him, started in 2009, the plan is to ensure that our middle managers are made aware of new procedures, “so they may understand where we are going and pass on new knowledge to junior ranks.”
Brumell said each crucial link to the chain of command will assist the GPF to implement its plan and future development with the theme ‘Enhancing community safety and security through partnerships, professionalism, reform and strategic management’.
He said it signifies security, mental trust and focus and, this year, there is no different exception and the GPF intends to examine itself within the context of areas talked about and plan accordingly for maximum achievement.
The proceedings got underway after the arrival of Brumell, Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee and President Donald Ramotar, who inspected a Guard of Honour.