Seelall Persaud "ready" to lead Police Force

Deputy Commissioner of Police and Crime Chief Seelall Persaud has stated that he is ready to take over the reigns of the Guyana Police Force as its next Commissioner.

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell is getting ready to leave office in early April and the Government has already tipped Persaud to be his replacement.

Questioned by News Source on Friday about his preparations for the new position, the Crime Chief said he has the experience for the job. “I have been there for 30 years. I have been Deputy since Mr. Brumell took over and I am fully au fait of all the issues and have been working with him with the police with the strategy and all the other issues”, Persaud said.

He dodged questions about the difference that he might take to the Office of Police Commissioner, stating that there is need for “patience” to find out.

The President is expected to consult with the Leader of the Opposition before making the appointment final. But Persaud could find himself first acting in the position until a new Police Service Commission is in place to confirm the appointment.

Although he has indicated that he is ready and able to take on the job of Police Commissioner, many social activists are questioning his record as crime chief and what contributions he would have made to tackling the crime problem as it fell directly under his portfolio.

The Police Force continues to face a rising crime situation in the country. Already for 2014, the Police Force has reported a 20% increase in murders and violent crimes when compared to the previous year. The figures related to murder, robberies and violent offences have been on the increase for over a year.

During the past few months also, the Guyana Police Force has also been faced with several embarrassing occurrences in the Court when Police and other witnesses have not turned up to provide evidence, resulting in a number of high-profile cases being thrown out for lack of evidence.

Persaud does not appear too worried about the problems hanging over the Police Force but seems clearly set to move in and take over and make changes of his own.