Police officers are being encouraged to take additional training, according to the head of the bargaining unit representing the uniformed men and women, following a recent string of viral videos involving police officers allegedly acting inappropriately.
President of the Police Staff Association (PSA) Sonny Miller told Eyewitness News Friday that while previous internal investigations have been fair and transparent, officers involved have sought legal assistance through the association.
Since last year, some 300 officers have been given additional training in professionalism, leadership and customer service. Miller said, “We expect the same during this process.”
“I believe that it has been beneficial to us not withstanding everything that has been going on,” Miller expressed, adding that while he won’t make excuses, officers “are human beings”.
“Even though we have the best training, we are dealing with a different calibre of people, and officers are faced with ten or more situations … that we have to adapt to and be successful,” he said.
The latest video involving a police officer went viral this week. The officer is seen allegedly slapping a man who did not appear to be resisting arrest.
Acting Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour ordered a full investigation into the matter.
The association president said, “The officers involved have come forward and we are looking to reach out to others who may be involved so that we can put an end to this.”
He said he fully supports the investigation and that the association continues to work with officers to better service the public.
“We depend on the public for information. They have assisted us in the decrease of crime that we are experiencing. It is only right that they expect the best from us and we continue to work in that vain.”
In the statement released to the press yesterday, officials said that members of the public can be assured that the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) will not condone any act of impropriety perpetrated by any member of the force, towards members of the public.
The statement went on to say that the administration of the RBPF takes all matters concerning the conduct of officers seriously.
“The public is reassured that every effort will be made to continue enhancing the professional image of the force,” the statement read.
Police officials are asking anyone with information on the incident to report it to the police so that appropriate action can be taken.
