Twenty-three Police Officers attend one-day Prosecutors Workshop

A one-day training workshop for police prosecutors ended here Wednesday, October 19.{{more}}

Twenty-three police officers were in attendance at the workshop, which was held to select the best prosecutors for the national prosecution service, which will fall under the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Daniel Suter, facilitator and Criminal Justice Advisor to the Eastern Caribbean in the British High Commission said that the the officers would be given tasks so that it could be determined which ones would make the best prosecuters to join the office of the DPP.

He added that this process will ensure that the country has the best possible national prosecuting service to represent the people.

The workshop comes shortly after Director of Public Prosecutions, Colin Williams announced the establishment of a National Prosecution Service.

The code for prosecutors, tasks in relation to presenting evidence, setting out proper matters before the court and applying simple tests to determine whether a case is worthy of going to court, were just some of the materials covered Suter told SEARCHLIGHT.

He noted that the material covered was so that the officers will know what matters should be placed before the court, rather than charging all matters and letting the court decide.

“It is the police prosecutor’s role to put the most appropriate matters before the court,” Suter explained.

It is expected that six officers will be selected and according to Colin John, Prosecutor, further training will be conducted then.

He added that the selection process should be completed by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, John said that in his opinion, the idea of having a prosecution service would enhance the criminal justice system in the country.

“Police officers generally do a good job, but I think there’s a need for them to sharpen their skills; hence this workshop,” he said.

John further explained that the training workshop was to “smoothen the edges and enhance their (police officers) skills that they have already.”