Police Brutality Will Not Be Condoned, But People Must Respect Police Officers

Police brutality will not be condoned, but people must equally respect police officers. This is the position of PM Roosevelt Skerrit to the allegations of police brutality during mass protests in the country. According to Skerrit, police will not be allowed to assault innocent citizens, but citizens will also not be allowed to disrespect or confront police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties.

Citizens and police officers must be guided by the constitution of the country, Skerrit said.

The DLP leader made this assertion while responding to journalists during his Sunday talkshow programme. Skerrit said the constitution provides guidance on how people should conduct themselves in all circumstances and also provides legal basis for prosecution if the rights of anyone is infringed upon.  He said the police can be sued and individuals can also be sued, except for the president who cannot be sued.

The issue of police brutality, no matter where it happens, should not be tolerated and I can say that this government will not tolerate it.

Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica

The prime minister made it clear that in most cases, police officers have exercised significant restraint in dealing with people during public protests. He reminded Dominicans that officers have always constrained themselves from using force during altercations with members of the public. He stated that while the Attorney General’s Office will investigate any cases of police brutality, people must learn to act within the provisions of the law over any public matter.

Skerrit reminded Dominicans that the police are the only people that can be called upon during any crises, and that they must be respected for their critical roles in maintaining law and order in the country. He noted that it is the duty of the police to prevent lawlessness in the country, but that police officers will be charged to court if they exercise excessive force in dealing with people.

General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), Thomas Letang, cautioned police officers to conduct themselves in a professional manner during public protests; and he also urged Dominicans to not condemn the entire police force for the abusive conduct of a few wayward police officers.

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