RSVGPF sensitizes general body about Judges’ Rules

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force continued its lecture series last week Monday, with the general body being sensitized about a wide array of issues relating to “Judges’ Rules” and “Unlicensed Motor Vehicles”.{{more}}

Assistant Superintendent of Police Elton Jackson, in his presentation on “Judges’ Rules”, said the aim is to help police officers appreciate the rules governing investigations.

Jackson said “Judges’ Rules” is the touchstone for standardizing police procedures; safeguarding police officers against disciplinary and civil action; as well as protecting prisoners.

He told the audience that when an offence is committed, the police are entitled to question any suspects.

“As police officers, we know where our powers come from,” Jackson said as he referred to Sections 11 and 12 of the Police Act.

He also addressed the procedures for cautioning a suspect and taking statements.

Jackson also addressed procedures for dealing with mentally challenged persons as witnesses or suspects, as well as interrogation of foreigners.

On the issue of unlicensed motor vehicles, ASP Kenneth John, head of the Traffic Department, and Sergeant Junior Nero updated cops about what is required of all holders of motor vehicle licences in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Nero pointed out that there are approximately 28,055 registered motor vehicles in the country. He said the statistics show an increase in registered vehicles here. “As a matter of fact, during the last 10 years, there has been an increase of 20, 000 vehicles,” said Nero.

He also touched on the procedure for wording and laying charges against offenders.

Nero sensitized police officers about the method used for proving an offence and updated cops about an amendment to Chapter 355 of the 1990 Laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The amendment in Section 40 of Chapter 483 of 2009 under the Revised Laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines now requires all drivers of motor vehicles on a road to have his or her motor vehicle license in his/her possession for identification purposes.