I see no issue with police donation – COP

A recent monetary donation made by a businessman to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is causing quite a stir.

But, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles says he doesn’t see what the fuss is about. On Friday, February 6, during an Officer Corps meeting of the RSVGPF, {{more}}the businessman handed over EC$2,500 to the police for the efforts of Corporal 723 Nolan Dalloway and his team of Rapid Response Unit (RRU) officers in clamping down on illicit guns and drug activities on the leeward side of the country.

The businessman asked that he remain anonymous.

Some persons have argued that police officers should not accept direct gifts and that such things could cause corruption.

“The gentleman brought the [donation] to the officers’ meeting and stated what he saw in the newspaper. As a corporate citizen, he stated he would like to give something to Dallaway’s team. That is what was done,” Charles said.

According to the Charles, Dalloway and his team did not personally receive any money and noted that the donation will go towards the organization’s Reward Fund.

Charles explained that the fund was set up to help persons who ask the police for assistance.

“From time to time, schools may ask the police to donate something like trophy and other things. So, we use the Reward Fund for these things. It is basically to reward police for outstanding performance,” he said.

During the period December 12 to 13, 2014, Dalloway, who is assigned to the RRU at Layou, led a team of officers on routine patrol, which included stop and searches. Thirteen people were arrested and charged with gun and marijuana possession.

During that same month, the team made a total of 54 arrests, with most of those charged found guilty of the various offences when brought before the court.

Charles explained that when the businessman contacted him, he asked what was his (Charle’s) recommendation for the reward idea.

“I told him he can get a plaque for the guys, but he was appalled. He said, ‘I thought you were going to ask for a monetary donation,’ but I told him as Commissioner, I can’t do that,” Charles revealed.

“He just stated that he was going to give a monetary reward and that was done. He came to the officers’ meeting and presented it,” Charles said, adding that it was not the first time monetary rewards have been given to the organization.

Charles said while other business places have donated appliances in the past, the unnamed businessman decided to give a reward to Dalloway and his team for the work they have been doing.

“The donation was accepted by the Commissioner and not by Dalloway…,” said Charles.