Minister of National Security Marvin Dames.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames conceded yesterday the Royal Bahamas Police Force must be more transparent with the public about its investigations into use-of-force incidents involving police officers.
He was speaking after a viral video showing a bloodied, handcuffed man being restrained by police sparked outrage on social media, spawning thousands of shares and hundreds of comments from people who called the incident “disturbing”.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Emerick Seymour said the matter will be investigated but many social media users scoffed when this was reported by The Tribune yesterday, convinced nothing substantial will come out of the matter.
Told this outside the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr Dames said he had not seen the video but acknowledged the public’s scepticism and said: “We certainly have to look at ways to bring a greater level of transparency so the public can see that the police are in fact doing their jobs and the commissioner takes these matters, he and his leadership team and the deputy commissioner who has oversight of discipline, they take these matters very seriously. We all do. It’s appalling.”
Following The Tribune’s report of the RBPF’s response yesterday, one Facebook user said: “No justice ever prevails from these events…sad in this country.”
Mr Dames, however, said: “There have been investigations where matters such as this would have been reported to the police and the police would have initiated the appropriate investigations and taken the appropriate actions.”
He added people should also be aware some videos that go viral depict events that do not take place in the Bahamas.
The latest viral incident allegedly happened early Monday morning on Prince Charles Drive. It is not clear who recorded and released the video. Mr Dames said recordings of potential abuses “brings a greater level of accountability, transparency and responsibility,” insisting he is focused on bringing a “level of professionalism within our law enforcement agencies.”
In the video, a man bleeding from the mouth pleaded for help, complaining about not being able to breathe and having a bleeding hand. The officer whose knee rested on his chest said: “Yeah your (expletive) neck got be bleeding soon.”
One Facebook user said “ok now lemme see where this goes,” to which another user replied: “No where smh just another cover up.”
One user said: “Yeah those officers in the wrong! Don’t condone this behaviour, police supposed to protect us. Young man was already handcuffed, no need to put your knee on his throat. Total abuse of power!”
Comments
hrysippus 6 years, 3 months ago
Crocodile tears don't stop police brutality fears......
ashley14 6 years, 3 months ago
Either no enforcement or police brutality???
stillwaters 6 years, 3 months ago
Bahamians want everything two ways. First, they berate every government for being soft on criminals and not being able to stop the crime wave. Then, when things get rough, they swing the other way, crying police brutality. Sometimes, I think they really don't care, except for the drama of it all. This fellow grabbed a woman's purse, punched her, and kicked her down........at least that's the story being passed around.
SP 6 years, 3 months ago
Marvin Dames must think we're all stupid. As a police, he knows damn well the cops have been way out of control from the beginning. Everyone knows this is nothing new. Police brutality has always been a fact of life here.
2 years ago, the incident on P.I. bridge involving the beach vendors had a similar police gorilla attack, slam a guy to the pavement, brutally assault the man and no one in authority as much as batted an eye!
If an individual is handcuffed or otherwise under control, the police should have no lawful authority to brutalize them and should be charged with assault like any other citizen.
Sickened 6 years, 3 months ago
I really don't mind the brutality. I'm never going to commit a crime where police need to chase me and beat the crap out of me... and I doubt very much that they are ever going to stop me just to whoop my ass! I tell my kids all the time to be respectful to police. If they choose to mouth off or commit a crime then they deserve a punch in the mouth and a kick in the ass all the way to court!
Truism 6 years, 3 months ago
It's difficult to fathom right thinking person's approving of extra legal action by those we employ to police. SAD!!
Alex_Charles 6 years, 3 months ago
police body cameras and CCTV. While the CCTV can be a bit pricey (although already deployed in limited quantity), body cams are cheaper to acquire. Pay for it by enforcing the traffic laws and book the ever loving sh8t out of the scores of Bahamians that run red lights, drive on the sidewalks, don't stop at stop signs and who make illegal turns or lane changes without a turning signal. Major intersections at rush hours and lunch time can bring in at least $10,00 a day if done correctly... AND we make the streets safer.
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