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Rise in complaints against officers

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A NEW Code of Conduct for police officers has been created following a rise in complaints against officers in 2013 compared to 2012, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade revealed yesterday.

With 285 complaints against officers, 2013 saw a 19 per cent increase in complaints compared to 2012, when 240 complaints were lodged.

 Last March, Mr Greenslade told the press he was concerned about the police force’s reputation with the public following a number of brutality allegations that were made against officers.

 According to statistics released during yesterday’s “Meet the Press” conference, the force’s Complaints and Corruption Unit received 5 per cent (134) more assault complaints against officers in 2013 than in 2012 and there was also a 24 per cent increase in complaints about officers engaging in unethical behaviour last year (51) than there was in 2012 (41).

 There was a 60 per cent increase in complaints about police damaging property in 2013 (24) compared to 2012 (15).

 Nonetheless in 2013 there was a 24 per cent decrease in complaints about officers stealing items compared to 2012 and there was also a 45 per cent decrease in complaints about officers unlawfully arresting persons.

 The police code of conduct contains nine articles which read as follows:

 •  Police officers should at all times discharge their duties as defined by law incorporating a high degree of responsibility to the community and their profession.

•  Police officers should respect the rights of individuals acting with fairness and humanness at all times.

• Police officers may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty.

• Police officers should not disclose any matter of a confidential nature except where our law requires otherwise.

 •  Police officers should as far as possible ensure that the health of persons in their custody is maintained and where in doubt immediate medical attention should be sought.

• Police officers should not commit any act of corruption and should vigorously oppose and resist any such act.

• Police officers should treat all members of the public with respect regardless of personal feelings, race or beliefs. They should also endeavour to cultivate good community relationship with them by being helpful, tactful, patient and courteous.

•  The misuse of police time and resources is unacceptable.

•  Police officers should maintain an acceptable standard of dress and conduct at all times. They should not adopt styles or mannerisms which detract from their professional image.

Comments

GrassRoot 10 years, 9 months ago

"the force’s Complaints and Corruption Unit received 5 per cent (134) more assault complaints" / ok shouldn't it say "'Anti-Corruption Unit" or are these the guys that go and collect from the public? Not surprised then, times are tough, people cant pay the bribes and I emphatically understand when the officers of the Corruption Unit freak out over that and beat you up.

JohnDoes 10 years, 9 months ago

Ellison is doing great things. He is shaking the force down for a positive future. Im sure he is under a lot of pressure by the government and people, but you must commend his efforts.

SP 10 years, 9 months ago

"Barney Rubble" Greenslade openly admits that he does not know who he can trust with-in his police force!

The obvious question begging for answers then is...What officer are "WE" going to trust!

                        N--O--N--E!

No wonder Prime Minister Christie saw it necessary to reinstate retired officers to watch his back!

bismark 10 years, 9 months ago

watch his back?he brought back many who have some shady backgrounds.

John 10 years, 9 months ago

Then what is done with these complaints? Are officers disciplined? There is a certain officer known for putting false charges on persons. He gets the backing of the crown sergeant at his police station and then these officers induce the innocent persons to 'buy' their way out of the charges. Is there crime still on 868 Gibbs corner?

Stapedius 10 years, 9 months ago

Good question John. Discipline is the issue that the COP did not address. We need to be more selective in who we let on the force in the first place. The training standards are either sub-standard at the Police College or officers forget or never had intention of using their learned skills. I've seen police bully and harass young men in this country. We need to do better in this country.

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