BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Hilroy Brandy is not mincing words when it comes to rogue officers within the ranks of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF).
Mandated to serve and protect the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, some officers of the RSCNPF have broken the laws they are expected to uphold.
The Top Cop has sent a strong warning to all his officers, stating that, on their honour, they would never betray their integrity, character or public trust, and that they would always hold themselves accountable for their actions or face the full brunt of the law.
He told SKNVibes that in addition to officers having to take responsibility for their actions, the time has come for them to be prosecuted when that is not done, as they had also sworn to uphold the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of the law enforcement agency.
Brandy said that he believes in discipline which is the mantra that all officers within the Force should be following. He however added that if they refuse to comply, they would then be reprimanded.
He has sent the warning following charges preferred against two members of the Force.
On October 19, 2021, 27-year-old Cheslyn Hutton of Cotton Ground had allegedly thrown contraband over the walls of Her Majesty’s Prison in Basseterre.
He was charged on October 27 with Conveying Contraband into the Prison and Conveying Tobacco into the Prison.
Prior to that incident, 26-year-old Tyrique Jones of Wades Garden, who was slapped with the offences of Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.
The charges were preferred against him after he and a female were found with a firearm at a nightclub on Fort Street.
It is clear that the Commissioner is not happy that the image of the Police Force has tarnished because of the two officers alleged breaking the laws.
“If an officer cannot perform professionally, then he will be disciplined,” Brandy emphasised. He added that “ at all cost we will discipline them as you would have seen that the two officers have been suspended and are remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison”.
Members of the public have on numerous occasions questioned the conduct of some officers, of which Commissioner Brandy reminded officers that they must remember that they are not only accountable to the High Command but also the public at large.
“Police must realise that they are judged at a higher standard than the ordinary citizen in St. Kitts and Nevis. So, when they go and break the law, they are expected to be met with a higher punishment than the normal citizen,” noted Brandy.
He added: “It is not a good thing for the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force when two of its own are involved in criminal activities. At the same time, we will leave no stone unturned to investigate them and bring them to justice like any other criminal.”
The Force is currently under the spotlight as a number of activities of the officers are either under internal review or have been placed before the courts for Coroner's Inquest.
