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The police administration should review the records of members to ensure they are free of domestic violence complaints

Aug 27, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
Over the August 24 week end there were several letters and articles speaking out against domestic violence and trafficking in persons so much so that one newspaper dedicated two editions to these phenomena. Of course Stella’s contributions have become the standard bearer with respect to her consistent viewpoints on these undesirable practices. Minister Webster’s is commended for her advice to victims or prospective victims which – although a bit late, must be backed up with a raft of mitigating policy decisions with appropriate implementation mechanisms.
I must confess that my interest was piqued by certain comments coming from some public figures at various times, and I decided to return briefly to the question of selecting individuals for top statutory positions including that of commissioner of police. In a previous letter I opined that it should be mandatory that prospective candidates be subjected to rigorous examination to determine suitability for high office. I know that none among us is perfect, but I ask your indulgence to identify that among the factors under consideration would be the applicants’ professional integrity, personal background including assets and liabilities. But, just as importantly would be an inquiry into the applicants’ philosophy related to domestic violence particularly where the offender may be a police officer. These approaches are consistent with how a modern police force evolves in terms of policies, protocols and attitudes towards opposite or same sex domestic violence, threatened or actual. It goes without saying that any officer candidate who was the perpetrator of domestic violence must be automatically disqualified. How else would we be assured that s/he would not ignore their statutory mandate of service and protection when complaints of dereliction of duty are made against ranks who neglect to investigate DV reports with all dispatch and due diligence? Therefore, it is incumbent on the police to move beyond sound bites and posturing and ensure that citizens are guaranteed professional service in confronting these social ills especially when the police themselves are perpetrators.
It is incumbent on the police administration to periodically review the records of all members to ensure they are free of domestic violence complaints. However, what puts operational readiness and effectiveness in a quandary is if members under the cloud of domestic abuse are prohibited from being in possession of a firearm. An International Association of Chiefs of Police discussion paper on domestic violence by police officers suggests that “A tone of zero-tolerance to police officer domestic violence must permeate the entire police department, as it may be the most crucial prevention strategy available.” This the paper argues can be accomplished through comprehensive baseline education and training for all department employees upon implementation of the policy, and consistent policy enforcement” (2003). In detailing responsibilities which are beyond the scope of this letter to examine, the paper places the onus on all members to report knowledge they have concerning domestic violence on the part of an officer. What I don’t quite understand is that reporting is not required where that officer is the victim. What is very clear however, is the stipulation that police departments must be prepared to investigate and severely discipline, up to and including dismissal, any officer who fails to report such knowledge or cooperate with an investigation. My question is do we have such a police force with the will and willingness in the GPF? We need more advocacy in this matter.
Sylvia St Romain

 

 

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