BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WHILE Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris said he would not “prejudge the police in their operational matters”, he however declared that they have a responsibility to keep the streets of the Federation safe.
During his monthly press conference yesterday (Nov. 3), a member of the media explained to Dr. Harris that persons are concerned about police entering an area where a child’s birthday party was being held and opening fire in their bid to apprehend an individual.
That incident, which occurred on Sunday evening (Nov. 1) in the McKnight area, resulted in an individual – whom the police indicated was found with an illegal firearm and 13 rounds of ammunition – being apprehended and two others shot by one of the lawmen.
In response, the Prime Minister indicated that measures are being taken to ensure that the police act in accordance with the law in the execution of their responsibilities.
“In relation to the shooting, it is always difficult to comment on ongoing matters that are under criminal investigations, and certainly that is the case. We are looking though at measures that would ensure that whatever the police do they do them in the context of law and order; they do that in the context of the fact that their actions must be defensible and must stand the test of time.
“We are looking at systems in the Force and their observance to ensure always that the general public can have confidence in our Security Forces. It has been a challenging time! I want to make the point that the police must be proactive at all times, but the police have to ensure that they keep our streets safe.”
He did however open a line of defence for the police and reminded that during the incident an individual, who is facing a murder charge, was apprehended.
“I want to say that the police will always get the fullest support of the Government in pursuing law and order. And to acknowledge that even with the best of intentions and policies, there are times in pursuing law and order certain inconveniences would arise. But I would hope that people would look at the broader national good, national safety.
“In the incident to which you made reference, for example, one of the persons who has been arrested has been a person who is facing charge with respect to murder. That is one of the persons who has been apprehended. So you have to put all of these in the mix. It wasn’t that the police just went in and, like people without any sense of intelligence or otherwise, went on a mad spree. So I think when we put all of that in the mix, we have to wait and see what the investigation would reveal in relation to that.”
Dr. Harris however stated that the police are not above the law and if it was found that their actions were contrary to that body of regulations, they must face the penalties.
“…These are people trained and we hope they are well trained, that their judgment is secure. And we have to ensure that there are systems in place that when their judgment proves to be bad, appropriate disciplinary including criminal action. In other words, they are not above the law! In pursuing their functions for law and order, the police are not above the law. And so where they are at fault, then the system must be transparent to allow for them to face the consequences.
“…They are the law officers, their judgment will have to be respected in relation to operational matters with the confidence. Whenever they are found to be at fault the appropriate mechanism for discipline and criminal action would be available to every citizen. I say that in the context that no citizen is above the law. I am first and foremost a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis. I wouldn’t tolerate any abuse from any officer of the police and therefore we do not welcome it for any of our citizens…”
