Friday calls for establishment of Civilian Complaints Commission to help fight crime

Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday has made a call for the establishment of a Civilian Complaints Commission to be established within the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) to help fight instances of alleged police brutality and police misconduct.

Friday made this call during a national address on Wednesday, December 14.

Stating that police officers do not have a licence to “abuse crime suspects, or other people,” the Opposition Leader said “to stamp out such abuse, a Civilian Complaints Commission should be established.”

When in operation, the Opposition Leader suggested that this commission should be there “to receive complaints from civilians, and also fellow police officers, against police misconduct.”

He is hopeful that the establishment of such a unit will reduce cases of alleged abuse by police officers, and also “promote better relations between the police and the people and make policing more effective.”

Recently, two separate incidents of police abuse were captured on video and uploaded to social media, sparking outrage from citizens about the high handed manner in which some officers resort to resolving a conflict.

Addressing the crime situation in the country on Wednesday, December 14, Friday said “ I think we can all agree that one of the most pressing problems facing us today is the epidemic of crime sweeping the country.

At news time on Thursday,the homicide count for the year stood at 39, with the death of Marcus Samuel, who was also known as Royee, a resident of Barrouallie.

His was shot in the Villa area on Thursday, December 15; and on Tuesday December 13, the body of Jason ‘Toby’ Henry was found at Lowmans Hill.

“Crime affects everyone, directly and indirectly,” Friday said.

“When our safety and peace of mind are undermined, it affects us profoundly.”

He also expressed the view that crime is more prevalent now in the communities and on the streets than previously.

Dr Friday, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Northern Grenadines this year is “one of the most violent in recent history.”

Stating that we are facing a crisis, he said that “criminals no longer fear being caught and being prosecuted.”

“Anyone at anytime can be collateral damage in these reckless shootings.”

Recollecting the recent shooting in Redemption Sharpes, which claimed the lives of two young men, Friday warned that”stray bullets don’t know who they hit; and they don’t care who they hit.”

To help fight against the crime wave, the Opposition Leader suggested that certain actions be taken.

These include a focus on crime prevention methods and investing heavily in crime prevention. He also sees the need for the restoration of trust and confidence in the police and also in the Criminal Justice System and for the community to support police officers so that both can work together in preventing and solving crime.
Friday believes that an increased presence and visibility of police officers on the streets, will give citizens a feeling of protection.

He also sees the need to establish a domestic violence and sexual violence unit within the police force, as crimes of these nature are plagues in communities.

“The current widespread nature of the problem is a national disgrace.

“It must be addressed urgently and seriously.”

Friday believes that this unit needs to be staffed with specialised individuals, who will investigate and prosecute effectively.

“Prosecution must be pursued even when the victims do not wish to proceed,” the Opposition Leader stressed.