Thursday, September 10 2009

Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert yesterday explained that his request for an audit of all police stations in the country was prompted by the failure of police officers to lodge court exhibits, and seized items.

He also emphasised that the audit was the first step towards ensuring that proper procedures are adhered to, at all police stations throughout the country.

Philbert explained that his request became necessary because some officers have not been following police regulations, which makes it mandatory to lodge all exhibits with the property keeper at all police stations throughout the country.

The acting Commissioner said he was very concerned over recent developments in which arms were found in the ceiling at the St Joseph Police Station, the discovery of exhibits at the homes and lockers belonging to police officers, and the alleged burning of court exhibits by two officers at D’Abadie on Tuesday.

Last week the Actg Commissioner sent out departmental orders instructing all police officers to lodge exhibits to avoid them getting into trouble. For a very long time we have been hearing of exhibits not being lodged, and also complaints from members of the public against the actions of some police officers. The move he explained, was the first step in correcting the ills within the service, said the tough talking Actg Commissioner.

The audits are being carried out by police sergeants. No officer will be given the opportunity to return exhibits which they had stored at their homes, lockers, or in their private vehicles. Newsday understands that those who failed to lodge exhibits now face several charges. The property keeper usually a sergeant is the person entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that court exhibits are returned at all police stations. If that officer is unavailable, the items could be lodged with a constable or corporal on duty. A record keeping book is available to prove that exhibits are returned after they are taken by officers to court.

Yesterday an Actg female Police Corporal and a male Constable attached to the Arima CID were transferred to the San Raphael and Cumuto Police Stations following an incident on Tuesday in which they were both allegedly caught destroying court exhibits.

Reports revealed that on Tuesday afternoon police officers received a tip off and went to D’Abadie where they found the two officers allegedly burning court exhibits. The two officers were questioned and ordered to give statements.

Yesterday at about 9 am Snr Superintendent Joseph Edwards, the Head of the Northern Division appointed ASP Bascombe to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter. He also ordered that the two officers be transferred with immediate effect.

The Police and Social Welfare Association has expressed full support to the call by the Actg Commissioner for police officers to lodge all exhibits.