From a murder charge to the latest series of burglaries against officers, the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) has had its image dented.
But Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce said the arrest and charging of officers who ran into trouble with the law show that the constabulary can be trusted to deal with crime even when it is among its ranks. He has assured the public that the small number of officers charged over time, though a serious situation and reflecting badly on the force, is not widespread.
“The Royal Barbados Police Force acknowledges that over the years there’s been a deviation from our core values by a few, along with some unethical behaviour, and they have been charged and put before the courts to answer criminal matters. We view all charges as very serious and once the facts are there to establish something criminal they will go before the court. That has been the principle of the force.
“Obviously when we do that we recognise it will impact on our image and there’s some harm, especially when some instances demonstrate a level of planning. This is very disturbing for the force, an organisation that has responsibility for the investigation of crime,” he said, referencing this week’s conviction of suspended Constable Dirwayne Cumberbatch on a string of burglaries in the north. (AC)
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