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| Acting Commissioner of Police Meredith Charles | |
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Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 02, 2006): Acting Commissioner of Police Meredith Charles commended the quick response to a break-in on Sunday, but said all police officers must protect themselves when executing their duty.
He made the statement during a press conference at Government Headquarters on Monday. The briefing was called in light of the house-break incident at Frigate Bay on Sunday, which resulted in a fracas between the police and fugitive Nigel Langley Sweeney.
Police Sergeant Clive Benjamin and the dangerous fugitive was shot and killed. Civilian Paget Terry Isaac also suffered a gunshot wound while Constable Keith Pemberton had a minor injury.
The Acting Commissioner said his officers must remain vigilant ensuring that all available protective measures are taken.
"I would like to encourage them (the lower ranks) and ask them to hold the fort. To keep the faith," Charles stated. "The high command is very supportive of them and (we) need to continue working together. I would encourage & them to always wear their bulletproof vest and to always try to arm themselves and be prepared for any eventuality."
Charles added that the security forces were continuing to take proactive steps to arrest the issue of illegal gun possession.
"We have a special patrol to deal specifically with gun crimes," he revealed. "They stop and search suspected persons. They have carried out a number of house to house searches and they've been very successful in the last two weeks in removing a number of illegal firearms from the street."
~~Adz:Right~~Constable Pemberton was treated and released from the hospital on Sunday, October 1. Mr. Isaac is expected to make a full recovery from his wound. Meanwhile, Sergeant Benjamin, a 20-year veteran of the Police Force, will be buried with full military honours. His family will receive benefits as stipulated in the Police Act #6 of 2003 and in accordance with the social security provision.
