Director for Public Prosecution (DPP) Daasrean Greene, at a press conference Wednesday, addressed some outstanding matters related to the 2011 police operation known as Operation Restore Confidence and the IMPACs Report.
Greene acknowledged the need for an independent agency to handle police investigations that involves police. Interestingly, this call isn’t unique to the DPP’s office as other high-ranking officials have also advocated for external oversight.
Despite a Cabinet conclusion in February 2021 approving the agency’s formation, no progress has been made. The delay raises questions about what’s holding back the establishment of this crucial body. Greene emphasised that an independent agency would enhance transparency and public confidence, aligning with practices in other jurisdictions.
We do understand that the issue of police investigating police is a complex and contentious one, but we must admit that in recent years, the public’s trust in law enforcement has been shaken by high-profile cases of alleged police misconduct, excessive use of force, and lack of accountability.
The practice of police investigating their own colleagues does not help to build police/public relations which are so much needed in helping the police solve crimes in communities and districts across Saint Lucia. While internal investigations conducted by police are meant to ensure transparency and accountability, they often face significant challenges that can undermine their effectiveness.
One such challenge is the conflict of interest that will arise when officers investigate their peers. It is a fact that inherent biases and loyalty to the department can compromise objectivity. The fear of damaging professional relationships or facing retaliation may deter officers from reporting misconduct.
The “blue wall of silence” perpetuates a culture of protecting fellow officers, hindering genuine accountability.
Furthermore, the mere fact of a police unit investigating another police unit within the same organisational structure shows a lack of independence on the part of the police organization. This lack of independence raises doubts about the thoroughness and impartiality of their inquiries.
This is why independent oversight bodies or civilian review boards are essential to maintain public trust and provide an external perspective.
We absolutely support an independent agency to investigate public complaints against police, which must be, properly funded and staffed with trained personnel who can handle complex cases so as to ensure rigorous, comprehensive and, above all, credible investigations.
We also want to make a case for whistle blowers within the police force because they will not be liked by their colleagues who will want to retaliate because of the risk those whistle blowers pose to them.
We are calling for protection to be afforded to whistle blowers within the police force. Fear for their lives can result in them being discouraged from reporting misconduct. We are of the view that shielding whistle blowers from retaliation encourages accountability.
We call on the various departments within the ambit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, especially the leaders of those departments, to foster a culture that prioritises accountability over loyalty. Encouraging officers to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisal is essential for public trust and overall effective policing.
We encourage within the police force programmes that emphasise ethical behaviour and the duty of officers to report misconduct within their various departments.
If we really want law enforcement to serve the community effectively we need to start promoting transparency, independence and accountability and one way of doing so is by the creation of an external body to investigate complaints involving the police.