A senior police officer stressed on Monday that the Royal Bahamas Police Force will support any officer who uses justifiable force while making a lawful arrest, whether it is for his or her own protection or in the interest of the public.
This claim was made by officer in charge of the Crime and Corruption Unit, Supt. John Ferguson, less than 72 hours following the police shooting of an alleged armed robber on Saturday night. The robber has been positively identified as 33-year-old Kemuel Hepburn. He was reportedly shot by officers after robbing the City Markets food store on Cable Beach. Hepburn later died at the scene.
But despite his support of officers that use justifiable force to make lawful arrests, Supt. Ferguson, while addressing the media at the annual “meet the press” conference at the police cafeteria, said there is no hiding place, support, or cover-up for overzealous officers who wilfully and without cause, abuse their powers as officers against members of the public. In recent years, many police officers have also appeared before the courts for wrongdoing or have been accused of brutality by civilians. Statistics reveal that in 2005 a total of eight corruption-related activities were reported to the Crime and Corruption Unit. In one of these matters, three officers were charged in the Magistrate’s Court for offences under the Bribery Act. They are presently on bail. The seven remaining matters are being investigated, according Supt. Ferguson.
But despite the eight corruption-related activities reported last year, Mr Ferguson said there had been a decrease in the number of complaints documented against officers in 2005, 292 cases of which were reported, compared to 330 in 2004. This represents an 11 percent decrease in the number complaints reported. Thirty-six of the 292 matters are completed, 68 are before the courts and 188 are under active investigation. A total of 246 matters were completed in 2005. Complaints against officers in 2005 ranged from unethical behaviour to unlawful assaults. Fifteen officers were arraigned before the tribunal court for assault-related matters in 2005, two were convicted, four were acquitted and nine matters are pending trial. According to Supt. Ferguson, corrupt officers will be exposed when they are found guilty and supervisors are being encouraged to take the lead role in helping to promote a “corruption-free” working environment. He said integrity and honesty continue to be values of the Police Force and therefore there is no tolerance for corrupt and dishonest behaviour. Also sharing the views of Supt. Ferguson, Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson said he is greatly disheartened by allegations of misconduct, corruption and abuse of powers by officers. He charged on Monday that no police officer is above the law and they must account for their actions if proven guilty.
By: TAMARA McKENZIE, The Nassau Guardian
