The Tribune

A SERVING police officer on Exuma has been identified as one of the men in a video showing a chaotic fight at a business on the island, prompting an investigation by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The footage, which has circulated on several social media platforms, shows a man in plain clothes striking another man as the two hold onto each other’s shirts, while others try to break up the fight.

Police confirmed in a statement that one of the men involved is a member of the force assigned to the Exuma Division.

Police said the circumstances of the incident remain unclear and that the investigation would seek to establish the facts and determine whether any misconduct or criminal offence had been committed.

Appropriate action will be taken against anyone found to have engaged in misconduct or broken the law, police said, adding that the force remains committed to the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct.

Police did not identify the officer, give his rank or say whether he was on duty at the time. They also did not name the business, say when the incident happened or say whether anyone was injured.

The investigation is the latest involving an officer caught on camera in a physical altercation.

In August, Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles revealed that an officer accused of slapping a man during a Bahamas National Basketball Team game in July was facing proceedings before the Police Tribunal. Ms Knowles likened the tribunal to a magistrate’s court and said its findings would be made public once the proceedings were completed.

Video of that incident, which spread widely online, showed an officer in a khaki uniform slapping a man near the bleachers while two other officers held and searched him, drawing an audible reaction from spectators. Police had responded to an altercation in the stands, and other videos appeared to show the same man being attacked by several men before officers stepped in.

At the time, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Rolle said the force did not condone the officer’s conduct and confirmed that the Complaints and Corruption Unit was investigating. The incident drew criticism online, with some questioning why force was used on a man who already appeared to be restrained.