The Director of Public Prosecutions, Daarsrean Greene, has highlighted the pressing need for significant improvements within the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the DPP’s office. Specifically, Mr Greene emphasized on the establishment of a Special Investigations Unit within the RSLPF to thoroughly probe alleged police killings. He also called for increased resources and manpower to manage the DPP’s workload effectively.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, Greene revealed that the formation of this Special Investigations Unit had been recommended to the Saint Lucian government. However, despite Cabinet approval in February 2021, the agency and its investigators still operate under the Commissioner of Police’s command.
DPP Greene stressed that such a unit, common in other jurisdictions, would enhance transparency and public confidence by operating independently from the regular police force. Although the formal process of separation has not yet occurred, he expressed hope that it would happen soon.
Regarding the DPP’s functions, he clarified that he does not conduct investigations directly but empowers state agencies—including the RSLPF, Customs & Excise, SLASPA, the Financial Intelligence Agency and more recently the office of the Special Prosecutor— to handle investigations.
He stressed that none of these agencies are under the control of the DPP’s office, and therefore, the DPP has no power to direct their actions. .
The DPP’s office can offer advice to these agencies upon request. However, when prosecuting cases in court, the DPP’s office has the authority to take over or discontinue proceedings, ensuring a realistic prospect of conviction.
Consequently, the DPP’s office works in tandem with these agencies to ensure that criminal matters brought before the court have a realistic prospect of conviction, which is the fundamental test, he said.
The DPP emphasised that the primary function of the DPP’s office is to meticulously review evidence collected during investigations and provide informed advice to the Commissioner of Police.
Turning to the backlog of cases under review by the DPP’s office, he pointed out that insufficient resources-both equipment and staff-have hindered his office ability to efficiently manage the workload. Currently, six attorneys are employed to handle matters across four different courts and stressed on the importance of fortifying the DPP’s office and providing better accommodations for its employees.
The DPP’s office collaborates closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and the Police Prosecution Unit. While the former primarily focuses on prosecuting indicatable offenses before the High Court, the latter handles matters related to summary courts and magistrate’s courts.
Despite these efforts, there is a shortage of police prosecutors within the department. Mr Greene expressed concern about the inefficiencies arising from this shortage, leading to backlog of cases.
He emphasized that addressing this issue is crucial, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of the justice system.
In his own words, the DPP stated, “I cannot fathom why this matter has not been addressed.” Clearly, there is a pressing need to address staffing challenges and enhance the efficiency of the DPP’s office to ensure timely and effective justice for all.