By NALINEE SEELAL Wednesday, September 9 2009

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THANK YOU, SIR: Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ashley Garrick, presents pencils and other stationery supplies to students of the Morvant East Gov...

Ag Police Commissioner James Philbert has adopted a “no nonsense” approach against police officers who fail to lodge court exhibits at police property rooms throughout the country.

Last week, the Ag Commissioner issued departmental orders to all police officers to ensure that all exhibits are lodged.

He also made it clear that it was mandatory that illegal items seized by officers such as guns, ammunition and drugs be properly labelled and lodged. This order was made last week after the police service was criticised for failing to charge a police officer after illegal items were allegedly found at his home.The officer has since been charged.

Newsday understands that it is the norm for police officers to leave exhibits in lockers and desk drawers at police stations, in their cars, or even at their homes. Sergeants at all police stations are supposed to ensure that all exhibits taken from the property rooms at police stations, are returned. This procedure was not being adhered to, and was allowed to continue until recently when it was discovered that officers were not lodging exhibits. Some officers complained that they took exhibits home for legitimate reasons, while others added that the property keeper was not always available to secure exhibits.

On Saturday the new head of the Northern Division, Snr Superintendent Joseph Edwards, met with officers in that division and reminded them that it was mandatory under the Police Regulations to properly label and lodge all exhibits. He also made it clear that items seized from members of the public should also be labelled and stored in the property room as soon as possible. Officers were reminded that it was against the Police Regulations to take exhibits home, or leave them in lockers, or their desk drawers at police stations. Yesterday, Sgt John Frederick, Secretary of the Police Social and Welfare Association welcomed the move by the Ag Commissioner to remind police officers of their responsibility in securing exhibits. He said it was the correct thing. He advised that it will prevent officers from getting themselves into trouble by misplacing the exhibits.