“This is a fast growing trend in Freeport and New Providence as we continue to see individuals in both islands soliciting and actually contracting persons to carry out acts of murder,” Superintendent Glen Miller of the Central Detective Unit (CDU) told reporters.
“Our intelligence is suggesting that this trend is being employed to intimidate and kill witnesses in court cases. During the year 2005, there were at least four cases with respect to witness intimidation, one resulting in the death of an individual and the others with serious injuries.”
While a guest on the Love 97 programme “Policing Today” last week, Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson confirmed that another witness lined up to testify in a high profile murder case had been shot.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson said on Monday that officials are moving closer to a credible system that will allow for the protection of witnesses who are likely to give evidence before the courts.
“The alleged events of witness tampering and intimidation must become a thing of the past,” he said.
“When persons are threatened by criminal groups and their cohorts, not only is the criminal justice system being undetermined, but the whole society is being threatened by these individuals. It is the intention of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to use all of its available resources and then some to deliver the best possible service to you the Bahamian people.
“Expect to see more of our detectives in your communities as we seek your support for information on matters of interest to both you and the public.”
The Witness Protection Bill is one of the first pieces of proposed legislation members of parliament are expected to deal with early this year.
During the briefing on Monday, Commissioner Farquharson also highlighted another matter of serious concern – that of allegations of misconduct, corruption and abuse of powers on the part of police officers.
He reiterated that no police officer is above the law and said where officers are found culpable or liable for their unscrupulous actions, they will be held accountable.
“The laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas are quite clear as to the powers of a police officer and his or her responsibility to persons that are in lawful custody,” Mr. Ferguson said.
“Similarly, the Force’s policy regarding the prevention, detection and treatment of corruption, dishonesty and unethical behavior has not been changed.”
By: Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
