By now everyone with social media at their disposal has seen the videos starring Local Traffic Officers and John the Driver at a police-initiated traffic stop. Within hours the video went viral as has become normal in recent times. Since then, everyone and their aunty has had their say not excluding the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), all seemingly sure that the side they chose is correct. Why are we even thinking in terms of right and wrong? Why not the application of the law?
We are proposing that it is quite possible that both parties may have erred on what is prescribed in the traffic regulations of St. Lucia.
It is evident that the videos do not tell the entire story and that much has been highlighted by the RSLPF, evident by the fact that an internal investigation has been reportedly initiated. What is clear is that tempers and egos were clearly on display for all to see and cooler heads may have accommodated a less juicy outcome.
It must be appreciated that police officers are the enforcers of the laws of the land and in the execution of their duties they must be taken seriously. Citizens must follow lawful orders. By the same token, police officers cannot break one law to enforce another. That also was alluded to when the RSLPF addressed the issue this week.
If John the Driver broke the law, should he have to adhere to an illegal order? And assuming that the order was legal, did that entitle the police to use what appeared to be wanton force and violence to enforce their will?
It is obvious that arguing this incident must be reserved for the legal minds among us, more particularly the courts.
While the RSLPF sanctioned investigation continues and the lawyers among us, practicing or otherwise, lay down their respective arguments, one thing remains constant, that is, whether John the Driver is a lawyer or the Local Traffic Officer is a sergeant, the law is the law and must always be adhered to by all, and at all times.
We hope that the incident will receive a full and public determination by an independent body (the courts, not the police investigating themselves) and that we will all learn that rights cannot exist without duties and the existence of duties depend on the respect of the law. Not only is the law the law, but no one is above the law.