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alexk
Guest
The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has recommended that criminal and disciplinary charges be brought against a police sergeant who hosed down a group of residents during a protest in New Grant in January.
This was revealed by Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) leader David Abdulah, who had written to the PCA requesting that an investigation be launched into the incident in which several residents were injured.
The MSJ handed over video footage of the incident to the PCA and residents were interviewed. The letter dated June 13 informed Abdulah that the PCA concluded its investigation and formed the opinion that the assault occurred.
“A recommendation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for consideration to be given for the institution of criminal proceedings against (the officer) for the offence of assault of Jocelyn Neptune, 60, Hayden Grant, Jarod Stephens and Kizzy Scipio.
“A further recommendation to the Office of the Commissioner of Police for consideration to be given for the institution of disciplinary action against (the officer) for breach of Regulation 150 (2) (A) discreditable conduct and 150 (2) (H) unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority.”
Abdulah, who met with the residents at New Grant yesterday, called on the DPP to immediately file the criminal charges and acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams to initiate disciplinary action against the officer.
In light of the Government’s “so-called” recent crime plan launch and Williams advocating for a relationship of trust between the police and the community, Abdulah said, “If we see no action with respect to this officer then all of that is just pure ole talk and a waste of time.”
Abdulah said the MSJ will be paying close attention to the situation and is warning against attempts of harassment, victimisation, abuse of power and any other acts of intimidation against the witnesses.
During a protest by residents on January 11 in New Grant the officer used a fire service’s hose to spray the protesters with water.