Police Complaints Authority Chairman, Retired Justice Cecil Kennard on Monday disclosed that out of the 251 written complaints received for the year thus far, 169 are still being reviewed by Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell.

Topping the list of complaints is police officers who are accused of neglect of duty, which may arise from them not writing a proper report, investigating a matter thoroughly or not turning up in court to give evidence. Kennard is hoping that there is a reduction in such cases in the new year. The next most common complaint is that of officers arresting persons unlawfully followed by illegal searches and lack of severity. Using excessive force was also listed as a major problem within the force.

During the interview at his Brickdam office, Kennard said 32 of the complaints acted upon saw more than 20 police ranks being disciplined by their department superiors and more so, placed before the courts.

In one instance with respect to Kampta Persaud who was killed by police after he attacked them with a cutlass, Kennard recommended that an inquest be conducted.

In several cases, the officers involved were given stern warnings and are back on the job. Out of the total amount, 60 complaints were discarded since they had no basis.

The former chancellor of the judiciary highlighted that there were 450 complaints made via telephone that were paraphrased and sent to the police commissioner to be investigated.

He explained that one of the major challenges that the PCA faces is the non submission of reports all owing to the amount of time they remain with the police commissioner. On this note, he stated that prior to this interview, he met with Brumell to discuss the issue and he has since asked Assistant Police Commissioner (Administration) Balram Persaud to speed up the process so that the reports can be dealt with expeditiously.

He noted that it was unacceptable that the files are with the commissioner for a long period and suggested that it should not be a monotonous process. He believes file reviews should not take two months.

He is of the opinion that reports involving complaints in Regions Two to Six should not take much time to be investigated, reviewed and sent back to him so that he can make the necessary recommendations.

He said persons who have lodged complaints with the authority may believe it was dragging its feet on their cases, but his hands were tied.

In light of the delays, Justice Kennard disclosed that he would normally send reminders to facilitate a speedy process, but was recently advised to forward a copy of the reminder to the Home Affairs Ministry.

Need to investigators

The retired justice revealed that for the past few years, it has been suggested the complaints authority be equipped with its own investigators, but that has not materialised. He said as he prepares to hand over his annual report, this shortcoming is listed as one of the major challenges for the unit.

There is dire need to these skilled people who will be independent and investigate without fear or favour, as “once we get our own investigators, we can prioritise reports and act upon them”, he added. Nevertheless, he noted that the unit was fully staffed.

The PCA chairman has visited a number of communities including New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, and Corriverton, meeting with ranks of B and G divisions, officials of the Regional Democratic Council and other stakeholders.

Before the year comes to an end, he intends to visit Moruca and Lethem. He hopes to visit several outlying areas in the new year.

The chairman urged members of the public to continue lodging their reports with his office, so that they can be investigated, noting that Guyana did not have the police force that it should.