One female accused of striking her subordinate
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has recently promoted six officers, including three females, which has caused some degree of dissatisfaction and consternation among some of their fellow officers.
Those promoted to the rank of Acting Inspector are W/Sergeant Gwendolyn Duncan and W/Sergeant Rosemary Isles, while those elevated to the rank of Acting Sergeant are Corporal Mitchell Hobson of Nevis, W/Corporal Carlene Phipps, Corporal Carl Greaux and Corporal Ricardo Sampson.
Speaking with a group of Police Officers of varying ranks, SKNVibes asked what the criteria for promotion are and was given an answer mixed with insinuations.
Every member of the group requested anonymity and the most senior of them said, “The criteria for promotion in the Force are basically the successful completion of the promotional examinations. However, this must be twinned with hard work, dedication, commitment and, most importantly, knowledge of the profession. In addition to those requirements, academic qualifications can greatly assist one in being elevated to a higher level.
“But, what I have found happening in the Force, many of us are being denied promotion even though we have completed the relevant courses, very knowledgeable of the job and have many years of service. Discrimination exists in the Force! There are many square pegs in round holes and it is those square pegs being elevated in rank. It is not who you know, but who knows and likes you.”
It was alleged that prior to being promoted, two females were to be taken before their superiors for disciplinary matters.
“One of them had her matter expunged but the other one’s matter is still pending. She is accused of boxing a subordinate officer in his face and hitting him on the hand with a firearm,” another officer said.
When asked if the Constable, upon whom battery was allegedly committed, wanted the matter to go public, the officer sharply responded: “Certainly! But he will not approach the media for fear of being seen, which could cause him to be victimised.”
The officer then recounted what he was told by the Constable.
“This incident happened at Dieppe Bay Police Station on the morning of the 12th of September this year. The Constable told me that whilst he was on duty, the female, dressed in civilian clothes, walked into the station and picked up a bag that contained a firearm and ammunition. The Constable told her that she could not take the firearm and ammunition because if there is an emergency situation and it requires armed response he would be unable to go.
“He also told her that if she wanted to uplift the firearm she should have asked him. The Constable alleged that in response she told him to excuse himself. He then attempted to hold the bag and she allegedly pushed him and he responded in like manner. Another Constable, who was also in the station at the time, put himself between the two of them and she allegedly boxed the complainant in his face and said she ain’t afraid of him and would put two leads in him.
“The Constable further said that he took the bag away from her but, in the process, she struck him on the hand with the firearm. Additionally, the Constable told me that she went on the phone and called the Superintendent and said that he should come immediately or she would shoot the Constable.”
The officer told this publication that the Superintendent went to the station and told both parties that the matter would be investigated by a Sergeant.
However, according to the officer, that did not happen but the Constable was summoned to a meeting with “Assistant Commissioner Merlese Dolphin, the Superintendent and the female officer on the 25th of September”.
“The Constable told me that the meeting was held in ACP Dolphin’s office and the female had lied on him. He also said that she subsequently admitted striking him with the firearm and when asked for the matter to be settled, she agreed but he did not. He told me that if he were the aggressor he would have readily agreed, but he was not and he intends to seek justice.”
SKNVibes learnt that the Constable was subsequently transferred to the Sandy Point Police Station.
