Senior Supt. Blanhum is new Crime Chief
In a major move that is creating quite a stir, Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie James has been removed as the country’s Crime Chief. The move took effect from yesterday, but no reason was given for James’ removal as the country’s
New Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum
Chief Detective. James is currently working on a special assignment with an important body that falls under the Commissioner of Police. He is replaced by his former deputy, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, who has 16 years experience in CID. Blanhum, who became a Police Officer after completing the Standard Officers’ Course, has had extensive overseas training in Crime Prevention Policing in the Republic of Korea; Organized Crimes for the Americas in Guatemala; Policing and Management in Columbia; Intelligence led Policing in Trinidad & Tobago; Evaluation workshop Organised Crimes in Cuba and Law Enforcement Leadership in El Salvador. He was also trained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Course. Blanhum has a degree in Public Management; a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies and a Commonwealth Masters in Public Administration which is to be completed in August. He spearheaded a number of high profile investigations including the Lusignan hairdresser killing and the kidnapping and murder of a businessman on the East Coast of Demerara. While the move is surprising, it did not come as a shock to many other officers who are convinced that Blanhum’s appointment appeared to be in the making for quite a while. One officer however, expressed the hope that his ascension to the Crime Chief position, will bring about positive development in the CID that was lacking for several years, particularly the challenges in solving very high profile crimes. The movement came about as a result of the shuffle at the top command level of the force. Kaieteur News understands that as a result of a request for two officers from the regular Force to replace outgoing personnel at the Presidential Guard, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph who was the Berbice Divisional Commander, will now take over from Rohan Singh at the Office of the President. Joseph will have as his deputy, Senior Superintendent Lyndon Alves. Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith will head to Berbice with Senior Superintendent Errol Watts as his deputy. Griffith’s place on the East Coast of Demerara will be taken by Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman who previously served on the West Demerara. Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell will hold the fort on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara. Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken will remain at ‘A’ division.
