David, you confuse the Police Complaints Authority and the complaints department of the RBPF. The former does not comprise policemen.

There was time when parents /elders used to frightened their charges with , ” if you don’t do so so and so , I gun bring de policemun fer you.” Looks like what goes around comes around.
——–Serviced While Protecting—-

The comparison between the murders of MLK and Malcom X is very misleading and maybe a purposeful attempt to stir-up people or be purposely revisionist. MLK was murdered by despicable, racist white people and X was murdered by equally despicable Afrocentric people mesmerised by their leader Elijah who singlehandedly broke a serious number of religous laws. I would agree that many of the principles of The Nation were very worthwhile.
In every Police Force there are members who are prone to illegal behaviour. When they act (or appear to) illegally they must be given due legal process and if guilty sentenced accordingly. Certainly law and order are key to the reputation of BIM as a tourist/ business location.

In many countries Police Departments at one time or another have been forced to reform because of scandals and complaints many of them exposed by the media. Reform should be a continuing process and not just a one off affair. Like most providers of goods and services, customer feedback is necessary to measure how good a service is.

How people are treated when arrested is vitally important. Many may say that the people who are arrested are lying. How can anyone or any department determine what is truth and what is fiction. Whenever crimes against the Police are brought, as citizens we must pay great attention. These are the people we have entrusted to protect and save us from criminals. When that trust is broken it is almost impossible to regain. Many crimes will go unreported, many will refuse to assist the police in their investigation thus hindering any good results. We must hold this department to the highest of standards. We must be the guards guarding the guards.

We are about to bring together two different situations, and see them as one and the same and thus cast judgement in equal measure to both.

This is flawed thinking, as on the facts available to us this should not be the case.

The situation with the young lady and subsequent allegation, occurred as I understand it at Grantley Adams Airport. The police officers have been charged with offences that are alleged to have taken place at the Police Station in Bridgetown.

The common features of the incidents are that both young ladies are Jamaican and there are allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct….there it ends.

If it is that there is a climate in Barbados which allows certain types of behaviours to be seen as the norm. This is most unfortunate and should be addressed with due haste. However, we do a great dis-service to public officers – Immigration Officials – if they accused and then sentenced on the basis that X or Y has misbehaved and because of “chronology” of time they are by public perception convicted. . . that is not justice and there is no logic to it.

Yardbroom

I thank you sir for your insightful remarks.I couldn’t have said them any better.

Some persons are too happy to point to this charge,which at this stage has not resulted in any conviction – to say – ‘see I told you so,you should not be defending those immigration officers in the myrie case so strongly, – police,custom and immigration are all wicked and corrupt here in Barbados and they always treat these caricom non nationals badly.’

All I will say is innocent until proven guilty,whether immigration,myrie,police or custom and most particularly Barbados.

Anyway like I said before,the enemy is right in our midst.

Mash up & buy back

You wrote
“police, custom and immigration are all wicked and corrupt here in Barbados and they always treat these caricom non nationals badly”.

That is a very general statement and I wish that you would really reconsider. I am not saying that all immigration, customs and police officers are nice decent people, but in each of those categories, I can personally point out some very decent hard-working people. Unfortunately, they get tarnish by the misdeeds of the few corrupt officers among them. I was an immigration officer many years ago and could have identified and did identify some of the corrupt ones. Unfortunately, they had political protection.

Let’s face it, our police, customs and immigration officers are not recruited from Mars: they are recruited from among us and their indivdual conduct will reflect our the same falling standards in our society.

Bad behaviour is not restricted to public officers. Three years ago, I reported, to the Minister, Police and Director of Public Prosecutions, embezzlement among some credit union officials. I even provided credit union documents to prove the case. You would not believe what happened: a very senior police officer called me and asked me not to pursue the matter. I insisted but the police paid me no attention. Next thing the credit union is doing Government a favour by channeling National Insurance funds to buy CLICO Mortgage Finance Company.

Another instance outside of the public service: I recall that a former work colleague was arrested and charged with having carnal knowledge of his minor step daughter. The Child Care (Less) Board was involved; the matter went to court at Boarded Hall Magistrates’ Court; a politician called in a favour and that was the end of the matter. So much so, the wife even took him back.

I gave all that information to show that the bad behaviour is not restricted to public officers; it is a societal problem . Therefore, do us all a favour and allow the law to take its course and do not judge less ye be judged.

That kind of thing has to stop in Barbados.
With the presence of persons of varying nationalities in this country, people who are not even sure about their status and who cant even access certain social benefits etc, violence will increase. If these people can not get justice because they aint grow up or went to school with Jaon Howard -Arthur, if they cant call somebody and get things patched up , they will take matters in their hands.

Every body in Barbados should be subjected to the law. This is why something such thing as Breathalyzer testing has not yet appeared in Barbados. Too many ‘proud ‘ people who feel that the law should not touch them, who feel that they are too proud to pay a fine in court or to pay for anything at all, who feel that sponging off of Government is being ‘smart’ and that Barbados owe them something because they ‘bright’ and can ‘talk’ sweet and went to this school or the next or that they got a degree in this that or the other or is friend of somebody who could do them a favour-in other words some sort of status even if it is only a-state of pride-

This a foolish part of Bajan culture that must be changed. Too many people feel that to pay a sum of money for some things is somehow beneath them. Do you know who I AM ? they usually ask –I am so and so, why should I pay to go in the Stadium–Look send my ticket yeah !

-Yes-I mean Them kinda people. Some of them turn so bewitch when they dont get what they feel they should get because them went to x or y school.

There is one for example who turned against society because he went to Harrison College and feel that somebody owe he something. He did not get that something so he walks about and call he delf SIGN MAN or something like that –head –tear—
They got quite a few like he.

This society needs to change this foolish approach and level the playing feel. The old school tie and the ‘ring’ should not exempt anyone from facing the consequences of their actions. People are watching and they will react violently at times because of it.

@Bush Tea

There is merit in what you stated. The thrust of this blog is to highlight that there are systemic things the police force can do to improve. The improvement of procedure and process, for example recording of statements.

For the love of Mike can’t understand why the AG is so gunhoe about presenting to the public the information that there is no rift between Hinds and Dottin. It definitely increases the perception he is a horses ass.

Islandgal246

I tend to agree with you. Look around the world and see: the former President of Isreal is heading off to jail; the former President of France is before the court; the Governor of Illinois is fighting to stay on the outside; Panday in Trinidad is doing all that he can to stay out of prison; several MPs in the UK were placed before the courts and there have been convictions. The list goes on. However, in Barbados our politicians and some senior public officials become millionaires on their salaries. What a laugh!

Caswell

First you accused Jeff cumberbatch when all he was doing was complimenting you;

then you accused me of the complete opposite of what I was saying.I would think the proper thing to do was to say you were wrong in your accusation to me.

Is this a pattern somehow?hmm.Please keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Enough said.

Look at the strategy of Russian Spy
Anna Chapman sent to the USA!

Jamaica has long been envious of
Barbados education, wealth & civil society!!!
It’s an old trick, if the Males of Jamaica
can’t gain easy access, they will try to send the women of Jamaica to do the job! The Jamaican females are on a mission
to help & aid their Male Jamaican drug gang counterparts to flood into Barbados with Jamaican destruction.
Jamaicans want easy access into
the Country of Barbados and they want it
NOW!!!The Women will always cry rape when their plans go belly up!

The Barbadian Male Officers nationwide who
are open to ANY bartering or solicitation from
these incarcerated Jamaican females are TRAITORS to Barbados!! They are engaging in dangerous sex play with Jamaican Prostitutes & Drug mules to help Jamaica’s main agenda to bring down & tarnish Barbados stellar reputation using the press.

The Barbadian Men guarding our
Nation’s security who abuse their power of authority & their position of trust to procure sex from drug mules or illegal immigrants from Jamaican should be dealt with
harshly for betraying the integrity of their country!!
Even if the Jamaica female prisoners instigate relationships or solicit the Officers for free sex in exchange for favors or leniency while they
are in custody, the Barbadian Officers are selfish fools for allowing their own lust to corrupt their position of authority to protect our borders & serve the country of Barbados are being used as a “sex tools” to destroy & bring down Barbados. They are Selling Outs, for all their Parents have fought & worked
hard for! They should be shame! because They are are selling out their children’s birthright to a progressive, low crime, Barbados for stupid easy prison sex from desperate Jamaican females!
The Barbadian Female Officers who help these corrupted Male Officers carry out their
abuse, even if they are threatened with loss of their job are pawns and traitors to their own gender, worldwide.

@ David
“If we continue with the police using the insensitive and ‘brawn’ approach to delivering enforcement, rebellion by the ‘new citizen’ will be the unavoidable outcome.”

Each time there is a discussion about the Police Service on this blog, I would make suggestions that could be used as a basis to bring the RBPF into the modern era of policing. But, as usual we seem to dismiss them as being trivial, yet we want a modern police system using old methods.

For example, there are programs that serve to increase the contact between local communities and the police, thereby improving the service given to the public. It also gives volunteers the opportunity to support the police in making communities safe. (Community policing)

I also mentioned the P.A.C.E (Police And Criminal Evidence act) interrogation techniques, which could be modified and introduced to Barbados. This method was developed when it was recognised that deceptive police practices yield false confessions, which ultimately led to wrongful convictions.

As it relates to interrogations and methods of obtaining evidence, all police stations should be equipped with the necessary facilities to electronically record all interviews with suspects in custody for the purpose of the investigation. The caution administered prior to arrest should be recorded at the beginning of the interview. Before asking any questions relating to and for the purpose of the investigation, the interviewing officers should ask the suspect a series of standard questions, which would establish if the suspect understands his/her rights.

We were quick to amend the law to bring in a new Chief Justice, but there has been no attempt to by the authorities to reform police procedures and practices and upgrade the criminal justice system. In other regions, a significant emphasis has been placed on re-balancing the criminal justice system in favour of the law-abiding majority. The new priorities are to reduce crimes, reduce criminal activities of repeat-offenders and protecting the public. The abiding majority in that context include victims, witnesses and avoiding privileging offenders over victims.

You can say what you like about Darwin, it appears that more officers have been brought before the courts under his command, than under any of his predecessors.

In the police force you can find some of the best and some of the worst people you could ever wish to meet.
Why should this be the case when they all go to the same training school and presumably, receive the same training?
If prospective recruits undergo psychological evaluations before being accepted, does it mean that the Psych professionals are getting it wrong?
After leaving the training school, how often are officers re-evaluated?

My above was meant to be complimentary to the COP. We have always had allegations of misconduct made against officers in the past. However officers appearing before the courts as a result of such reports is a new phenomenon. I have attributed this to the present COP and do not, in anyway view it as a negative on his record.

I apologise if the above was interpreted in any other way.

Some officers have an extremely hard time separating themselves from the society that nurtured them
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I would want to believe that there is a mechanism in place that would then separate such officers from the force.

Boss man,
Hush up, ef you ain’t noa wuh fuh seh. Animosity and hatred my foot! You jus airing yuh mout?
Bajans does support evahbody. In fact we does love anybody and anything dat come from over in a way.

Given the bureaucracy that would be involved, there might not be enough time to formulate and execute reforms for the RBPF, if you have one eye on the clock and the other on fickle constituents.
One can therefore understand, and probably forgive, the need to focus on more attainable goals.

Country before self is not a mandatory maxim for political aspirants.

first it was finga-foopin, now sexual assault. I waitin wid baited breff to hear dis week’s accusation. Which offica/ immigration offica bull who now or sumting mo dramatic.
dem mekkin my arse sickkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.
stupseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, all de time so?

Bonny my dear
I an with you on that.

Where the junior officer is concerned I believe its damn if you do and damn if you don’t. If she had reported the action of her partner who would have wanted to work with her after that. Remember the case a couple of weeks ago when the officer called as a witness
conveniently “could not recall”

@ Chris Halsall

The reality is that most political representatives are judged on their achievements in the constituency. The average constituent have little regard for politicians who recite national achievements while neglecting their constituent’s needs. Politicians are acutely aware of this and operate accordingly.

They will continue to do so until it is made clear that different is expected and required in order to serve, but then all of us would have to adopt the maxim.

And the came “delight”, to say unto the entire world: “Where the junior officer is concerned I believe its damn if you do and damn if you don’t”.

Quite right.

You’re damned if you do allow the rape of people in captivity in Barbados, and you’re damned if you don’t.

So why not just go along with the rape?

As the various dunces on BU say: “could not have said it better myself.”

Dave: you’re really keeping it classy. Huge round of applause.

Meanwhile over in the Twin-Island Republic……
http://www.stabroeknews.com/2011/news/breaking/04/10/slaves-taken-to-tt-from-guyana-small-islands/