In the wake of recent police action in combatting crime on the Island, several threats including threats of death have been hurled at members of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) in person, and increasingly over social media.
Some of those brazen pronouncements made over multiple online platforms included threats of targeted attacks against specific members of the force.
Whilst the RSLPF respects the rights of citizens to comment on issues of national interest, language that incites or facilitates violence, or otherwise constitutes credible threats to members of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force or any other person for that matter is unlawful.
The seriousness of these threats, the context and the perceived intent of those responsible, are factors considered in determining whether such matters are pursued summarily or indictably.
It is therefore essential that citizens be cautious and responsible when engaging in online communication to avoid legal consequences.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Force condemns these attacks and will do all that is legally possible to protect its members. Investigators will seek to identify and pursue without fail, all persons responsible.
Section 114 of the Criminal Code of St. Lucia makes it an offence for: A person to threaten another with death or grievous harm with intent to put that other person in fear of death or grievous harm, and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 5 years or on summary conviction to 2 years imprisonment.
As the RSLPF continues its relentless pursuit to deter criminal activity in this country. We will not seat idly by and allow threats to be made to our members. We again, reinforce the fact that we will pursue relentlessly, all those responsible.