BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IN light of the videos circulating in the Federation with one of the images that can be termed police brutality, the High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has launched an investigation into the incident.
In a press release and recorded statement issued yesterday (Feb. 9), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Adolph Adams confirmed that the RSCNPF is aware of the incident involving officers of the Nevis Division.
“The High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has viewed, with deep concern, videos that show parts of an incident that occurred in Nevis and involved several of our police officers,” Adams said.
The ACP also stated that the High Command wants to reassure members of the public that their safety is the Force’s number one priority.
“The High Command would like to inform the general public that an investigation has been launched into the matter. We want to reassure you that your safety and security remain our number one concern.
“We have in place well established protocols and procedures for police officers to follow when responding to reports and apprehending or arresting suspects.”
Adams further stated that the RSCNPF remains committed to the fight against criminality and “strongly believes in respecting human rights and the dignity of others”.
In a previous article published by this media house, it was stated that a photo and videos on social media were being circulated from Nevis with images of a man lying face down in a drain and a law enforcement officer standing on the upper part of his back, seemingly to make an arrest.
While standing on the man’s back, his companions looked on but did not not rebuke him on the act, while man could be heard repeatedly saying that he could not breathe.
Those images have caused raised eyebrows in the twin-island Federation as some law abiding citizens were asking, “Were the police executing and arrest or blatantly displaying an act of brutality to a civilian?”
Though ACP Adams has indicated that the High Command is aware of the incident, the circumstances surrounding it has not been established, but he did state that an investigation was launched into the matter.
