By Devonté Hanna
“If one confronts the police, they need to be prepared to meet their maker.” — Police Commissioner Paul Rolle, when asked about the use of force by his officers in August 2020
Year after year, countless videos of officers using undue force have inundated social media and caused widespread outrage about policing in The Bahamas.
Not surprisingly, these issues were left unjustified, or covered in the sweet nothings of politicians who themselves have been accused of breaking the law.
The elephant in the room must be addressed.
On June 13, 2020, grief-stricken families took to the scene of a police-involved shooting that left three young men dead off Cowpen Road.
Videos of mothers, fathers and children weeping over the loss of yet another set of lives due to undue force by officers were seen on every electronic device and were the topic of national discussion. Yet, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames only called the incident “unfortunate” and “concerning”.
The problem is that many across The Bahamas are either a relative of someone who has been a victim of police violence, witnessed it or are a victim themselves.
In fact, a recent survey taken by 150 Bahamians ranging from ages 16 to 50 revealed that one-in-three participants have witnessed police using excessive force and one-in-five were victims.
Unfortunately, the powers that be, which include the government and our very own “providers of public safety”, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), have done a measly job at addressing this issue but have somehow made certain that COVID police ride comfortably.
I cry shame.
In 2019, 151 complaints were filed against police, according to former Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson. What’s worth being noted is that more than 50 percent of those complaints were filed for use of “unethical behavior”.
Clearly the problem is not us, but them. The proof is in the pudding, which is why it is important for police training to be updated.
Officers need to be taught the necessary skills to aptly interact with members of the community to resolve issues. The simple English and math required for new recruits will not suffice for 21st Century policing.
Their training should include, but not be limited to, counseling, social work, crisis intervention, mediation and even being able to appropriately interact with those who may not be able to fluently speak English.
The reality of the situation is, police officers must have the necessary skills to handle, protect and serve the community without killing and using excessive force.
The government must also establish effective civilian oversight structures, which would amalgamate a disciplinary board of community members and the RBPF to decide on the consequences of officers in matters such as these.
It is important to note that in the survey mentioned earlier, less than half of the participants had confidence in police. Participants believed that if an officer committed a crime, he/she would not be rightfully tried and feel the consequences of his/her actions and that foul play would be involved in decision-making.
All participants believed that justice would be served if community members had a say in deciding the consequences of police.
In January 2020, the government signed a contract with Arizona-based firm Axon for the purchase of 200 dash and body cameras. Later in June, 200 officers were mandated to use the equipment.
With over 2,600 officers being employed by the RBPF in 2020, why just 200?
Video footage makes certain that action is taken by higher powers, and that officers are held accountable for their actions.
The truth is, Bahamians are losing trust in police because of their unwarranted practices. Instead of being the upholders of law and the providers of public safety, police in The Bahamas have become users of excessive force and battery.
The time is now for officers to be held accountable for their actions, ensuring safety for all.
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