Police officers have been urged not to dodge their responsibilities.
Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce gave that caution yesterday as she asked the officers to do their part to ensure all files were completed to ensure there were no more delays in the criminal justice system.
“There is no let-up in our duties but we will not look for excuses for any shortcomings on our part in delivering our duties as it relates to getting the necessary files completed on time and submitted for court proceedings. We commence the process and we hold the responsibility to expedite that duty in a timely manner.
“Delays and dereliction of duties must become a thing of the past. We must be forever conscious of the fact that a systems approach must be adopted by all players in this effort. If one area in the justice system malfunctions, it can have a ripple negative impact on the entire system. Hence we must be mindful of the consequences of our actions if not executed in a timely and professional manner,” Boyce said.
He was speaking during the Barbados Police Service’s Addressing The Backlogs And Delays In The Criminal Justice System symposium held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
The commissioner said while they had made some progress, more work was required.
“We in the Police Service have been making some headway in getting some of the required files into the court system, but we must remain focused in our efforts. We are well aware of the heavy responsibility which is placed on us as it relates to getting the criminal justice system functioning at its optimum level.
“Every effort will be employed to honour this responsibility. I implore all officers in the service to discharge your responsibility to solve this problem,”
he added.
Attorney General Dale Marshall, Deputy Commissioner Erwin Boyce, members of the judiciary, and officials representing children and juvenile welfare agencies were in attendance.
Boyce said participants should use the session to their advantage and collaborate.
“We are conscious of the fact that the Police Service acts as a gatekeeper in dealing with the throughput of getting persons into the criminal justice system. Today is another input session where we can look critically at those dark and troubling areas within this system and discharge our function.
“Let us leave this symposium being committed to doing the job. There are objectives that have to be met. If persons understand the critical nature of this interaction, I believe over and above, those persons will perform and produce,” he said. (TG)
