The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL kvirgil@tribunemedia.net THE Police Staff Association yesterday criticised a former high ranking official for publicising confidential RBPF information in an attempt to gain political mileage. Dwight Smith, the organisation's executive chairman, was responding to the comments made by Keith Bell, an ex-superintendent, on a day-time radio talk show. Mr Bell told of glitches in the government's electronic monitoring system for those granted bail. According to the chairman, who spoke to the media at the association's office on Bank Lane, Mr Bell also implied that the force was too poorly-equipped to tackle crime or the other challenges it has been confronted with. Rejection the notion that Mr Bell could speak for the force, Mr Smith said the ex-officer does not have the authority to do so. He said: "The RBDF is well disciplined enough to know the protocol of its structure and certainly the Police Staff Association adheres to the truth." The chairman also questioned whether Mr Bell's claims supported a particular political party. Mr Bell is the Progressive Liberal Party's deputy chairman. Mr Smith said Mr Bell's claims aimed to cast the RBPF in a light which implied political persuasion. "To make the Bahamian public to believe that the politician decided how and when we tackle crime is an insult to the Commissioner of Police, his executives, commanders, and the rank and file of the force. "The commissioner only asks the politician or government to enact laws and to provide resources and funding to make these initiatives a success. "So to say or make the public believe that the politician creates the many operations and initiatives is a direct insult to the existence of the police," he said. In response, Mr Bell issued a statement saying the association has for years been riddled with FNM operatives. He said: "During the press conference, segments of the RBPF Association sought to align it, and by way of extension the line staff of the RBPF, with the FNM through what was clearly a political endorsement. This is unacceptable. "If any executive member of the Association wishes to endorse a candidate or political party, they ought to resign. "It is interesting that after four and a half years without promotion or raise by this FNM government, segments of the Association have now found its voice, not to support its members, but rather a failed minister who has not supported them."