The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has put systems in place to deal with internal disciplinary matters involving police officers at all levels of the Force.
Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander told the media today (Jan.15) that these offenses range from being absent without leave to incurring debts.
It also include: discreditable conduct, corrupt practice, neglect of duty, breach of Force orders, disobedience to orders.
Alexander said in 2015, 86 reports were made against police officers, 35 of them were convicted, 27 cases were withdrawn, and 24 cases were dismissed.
“2015, was rather an unfortunate time for us where police officers misconduct is concerned. Coming out of 2015, we had six police officers arrested and suspended,” he explained.
According to him, the officers appear before an adjudicator who acts as a magistrate, and a presenter who acts as a prosecutor, and the matter is dealt with from there.
The Police Act makes provisions for those convicted on any of these offenses. The penalty includes fines of up to ten days pay and the adjudicator can also recommend a reduction in rank or dismissal.
Cases are usually drawn from reports made to police personnel or the Police Complaints Unit.
The acting Top Cop told the media that he thought it was necessary to provide the public with these statistics, so that they are made aware that the police have mechanisms for dealing with disciplinary issues.
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