NDP calls probe into charges of police brutality

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is expressing concern about the numerous allegations of police brutality made in the media and by individuals, and is calling on the government to institute urgently a systematic investigation by an “independent and credible” body, so that the full extent of the problem might be known.{{more}}

“The recent fatal shootings by the police of two Vincentians and one Barbadian in Vermont have heightened public concern about the use of excessive force by members of the police force while on duty. Allegations of persons being slapped, their cash and other belongings taken without good reason and other forms of beating and abuse are now common place. We are further alarmed by the apparent militarization of the entire police force and the heavy-handed nature in which recent police operation, dubbed “Vincy Pac” by the government, was carried out,” a release from the NDP said.

“A primary function of government is the protection of the citizens and other persons within our country. Among other things, this includes ensuring personal security and the security of property. We acknowledge that the police are critical in fulfilling that function. While most police officers are conscientious and professional in the performance of their work and are committed to serving and protecting the public in accordance with their training and the rule of law, the prevalence and persistence of the reports of police abuse and brutality, signal a very grave and growing problem in our country that requires immediate remedial action,” the release continued.

“Public confidence in our law enforcement machinery is vitally important to the success of the police in the investigation of crime and the prosecution of persons accused of committing crimes. Incidents of abuse and the use of excessive force by elements within the police force undermine public confidence in the police as a whole and make it more difficult for the police to do their work. We call upon the government and the Commissioner of Police to investigate thoroughly and in a transparent way all police shootings in this country and all complaints of police abuse. Moreover, we call on the government to institute urgently a systematic investigation by an independent and credible body of the problem of police abuse and police brutality in our country so that the full extent of the problem might be known and effective measures instituted to eliminate it.

“Police officers who commit such offences must be dealt with in accordance with the circumstances of each incident and the requirements of the law. Further, effective training programs must be put in place to prevent further abuse. Failure to take action now will further undermine public confidence in the police as a whole and further erode the effectiveness of law enforcement in our country,” the release ended.