Although an internal investigation has cleared Deputy Commissioner of Police Lyndon Alves of any criminal misconduct, questions still linger, including whether he was actually questioned as part of the probe and by whom, while some believe an independent review is still warranted.
Commissioner of Police Leslie James last Friday told reporters that the investigation cleared Alves.
“What I can say to you is that the investigation has been completed and I have obtained a file and in terms of criminal conduct Mr Alves has been cleared,” James had said.
He added that the police force is currently dealing with “some administrative” issues. “Well, internally, administratively, there [are] some other issues we are dealing with and that is the final position,” he noted.
Following the disclosure, concerns were raised by the public as to who exactly investigated Alves and whether the investigation was done by someone senior to him.
Alves is one of the four Deputy Commissioners of the Guyana Police Force. The only person senior to them is James.
When contacted yesterday, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, who is currently overseas, said that after the allegations had surfaced, he had personally ordered that an investigation be conducted by the Office of Professional Responsi-bility (OPR).
“…That is what we wanted and I had asked that there be an investigation in view of the allegations being made by these cops and it warranted an investigation. As minister, that is what you do,” Ramjattan said.
The OPR was set up to investigate allegations/complaints involving members of the force.
Ramjattan noted that despite Alves’ seniority, he could be questioned by OPR and he noted that he saw nothing wrong with that. “…The OPR can question him (Alves)… the police can investigate the police yes. The police can investigate judges, the police can investigate the president… why they can’t investigate policemen? I see nothing wrong,” Ramjattan said.
“…..And if he (Alves) is now cleared by virtue of the investigation, so what you want only the Commissioner coulda investigate a Deputy Commissioner? I think it is totally illogical,” he added.
Ramjattan explained that prior to his departure on Sunday, a report on the investigation did not reach his desk.
As a result, he promised to look into the matter upon his return and provide an update. “…When I come back I certainly will get hold of the report and what happen there and so on, I will report,” he said.
In late June, Alves, the Crime Chief, was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which had been triggered by the exposure of a network of alleged corruption in the Guyana Police Force’s ‘B’ Division (Berbice).
The move came days after the force broke its silence on media reports about corrupt activities in the division by stating that an internal investigation was being undertaken by the OPR.
A number of police officers had spoken out about alleged corrupt practices in the division.
Several policemen, on condition of anonymity, told this newspaper about corruption associated with a senior officer.
Ranks, who say they were breaking their silence after their reports about his activities fell on deaf ears within the division, also identified several junior ranks who had reportedly aided the senior rank in his activities, which were said to include offering protection from prosecution to persons accused of crimes.
After the allegations were published, several police officers were transferred.
‘Can’t understand’
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, two of the ranks who made the allegations said that the outcome of the matter was the reason why they had initially called for an independent probe. “I think they should still do an independent investigation yes because from the statements I heard ranks give I can’t understand how they clear him. I think an independent investigation will clear up everything but you think they will do that now?” a junior rank, who is stationed in Berbice, questioned.
“Me ain’t surprise. I know once they say OPR woulda investigate this would a happen,” he added.
Meanwhile, a senior rank in Georgetown said, “…I still think there should be an independent investigation. From starting that is what they should have done.”
One source was doubtful about Alves being questioned by OPR. “I don’t think he was. They should come out and state clearly if he was questioned and what were some of the allegations made against him to OPR and how they found those allegations not to be true,” the senior rank explained.
The sources, who are fearful that efforts would be made to identify them, also questioned why the details/findings of the probe were not released to the public.
“Why haven’t they released the details or finding to the public? And they expect ranks in this force to trust them. Every time you speak out, this is what happens… Everyone that spoke with you will be worried now and these are the people we suppose to trust?” the senior source questioned.
When Stabroek News contacted the OPR office yesterday for a comment on the matter, Reid (only name given) informed that Head of OPR Heeralall Mackhanlall is currently on annual leave.
Alves was appointed to the post of Crime Chief in Septem-ber last year. Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston is currently acting as the country’s Crime Chief.
