Police issue statement on alleged beating of 10-year-old

By Admin. Updated 1:47 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Police said today (January 30) they are investigating reports of alleged abuse and misbehavior by police towards a 10-year-old child.

The allegation of the child’s abuse was made in a video uploaded to social media where a woman who claimed to be the mother of the child decried the alleged actions of the police at the Stubbs Police Station.

The video was uploaded on January 28 at 11:47 p.m.

“Reports of allegations of abuse and misbehavior by police officers towards a 10-year-old minor have been drawn to the attention of the Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Enville Williams, and other senior-ranking members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF),” the RSVGPF said in a press release.

“The officers implicated in the allegation were paraded before the Acting Commissioner of Police earlier yesterday (January 29) at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Police Headquarters in Kingstown. Consequently, an immediate investigation into the matter has been launched, and the appropriate action will be taken upon completion of the said investigation,” the press release stated.

The release stated: “A senior police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) – South Central Division was assigned to conduct the investigation. The public is asked to bear with the police as we probe this matter”.

“While the allegations are painful to listen to, we must strive to be fair to all parties involved. We, however, wish to reiterate that the police force is an organization that does not operate outside of the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and no officer will be tolerated if he or she chooses to do so,” the release stated.

“Police Abuse and allegations of police abuse are not policies of the RSVGPF. Any police officer who is found culpable for such allegations will be dealt with in accordance with the law. The RSVGPF will make further updates on the investigation and actions to be taken shortly,” police said.

“Once again, we thank our citizens for continuing to work with the RSVGPF to keep our nation safe. Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the Calliaqua Police Station at 1-784-458-4200, Police Emergency at 911/99, or any police station or officer you are comfortable speaking with. Any information received would be treated confidentially,” police said.