Georgetown: Out of ten former police officers interviewed, four have been shortlisted and names presented to Home Affairs minister Clement Rohee to form part of the new investigative team of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).
The Home Affairs Minister announced that the PCA would be establishing its own team of investigators to deal with all complaints against members of the Force. The PCA was established in December 1989 but began operations in January 1990, and has since been hearing and addressing issues brought before it about the errant conduct of police officers, by members of civil society.
Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority Cecil Kennard said he has already submitted the names of the four prospective investigators to the Home Affairs ministry and is awaiting its decision.
Approval has already been given by Cabinet for the establishment of the team. The PCA is now awaiting the undisclosed funding so that operations could commence.
The four investigators, one of whom will soon retire from the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), will be solely responsible for extensive investigations of Peace Officers who are found to be guilty of gross misconduct.
Kennard said he welcomed the addition of the first time investigators as it is long overdue. He said since taking up the office in 2002, he had been calling for his own team of investigators since the process, usually carried out by the Office of Professional Responsibility is oftentimes lengthy.
The PCA chairman said his organization over the year had carried out outreaches to several communities across the country, holding consultations with members of the communities. These areas include Anna Regina, Lethem, Annai, New Amsterdam and Corriverton.
Most of the issues raised surrounded the “slothfulness and neglect” of police officers to take and act on reports and wrongful arrests. He said consultations were also held with ranks in these communities, who have promised to improve their operation during this year.
Minister Rohee reported that The PCA For 2014 received and investigated some 243 written complaints against police officers.
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