ACTING Police Commissioner of Police Errol Alexander has called on lawmen to stay strong in the face of last weekend’s inquest verdict into the death of a young man in police custody more than a year ago.
Magistrate Robert Innocent last Friday ruled that 22 year old Chakadan Daniel’s death in a cell at the Micoud Police Station in October 2013 was an “unlawful killing” which meant that someone must be held responsible.
The case now goes to the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether anyone should be charged for causing Daniel’s death.
Alexander told the media Tuesday: “The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) deals with the next step…one is innocent until proven guilty…officers are to stay strong and render support to officers because they are our colleagues and are innocent until a Court of law says otherwise…we will await the decision of the court process”.
Alexander again also sought to downplay suggestions that police morale was low in the wake of the IMPACS investigation into multiple deaths at the hands of the police four years ago.
He said: “I don’t have a yard stick to measure the morale of the Police Force… we are still into law enforcement, we are successful in curbing crimes despite all the issues presently surrounding us…we have sworn to law enforcement and we are providing that service”
Alexander assured the public that the Police Force will continue to pursue its mission of providing a professional policing service and in partnership with all communities, would create a safer environment for all people in Saint Lucia.