The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer.
By Mr. Adrian Odle.
Mr. Adrian Odle is a Lawyer, Lecturer, Social Commentator, and Chairman of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Reparations Commission.
On 4 September 2025, tattoo artist Tristan Williams, a very quiet and decent young man, alleges that he went to the Ottley Hall Police Station to clear his name after learning that officers may have been looking for him. He alleges that officers threw him to the ground, choked him, and beat him until he lost consciousness. After being released from the cell, he was allegedly told that it was a “mistake” and that this was the reason for his release. He later learned he would face charges that include resisting arrest, a very strange charge for someone who may have been unconscious (even though persons may make the whimsical assumption that he resisted and it led to him being knocked out, that is still disproportionate any way that you look at it).
This, if true, is utterly ridiculous. However, this is not something that is hard to believe given the reputation of some units within the force, and it turns the public away from seeking assistance.
There is a way to remove allegations. In July 2025, I called publicly for body cameras for all on-duty officers and armed private security under a strong policy that sets clear rules. Cameras record what happened. They protect good officers from false claims. They protect citizens from abuse. They end the “he said, she said”.
Although we are in the Caribbean, we can turn to the use of body cameras in the United States. The US National Institute of Justice reports fewer complaints in trials and stresses that policy and training matter if you want real change. Cameras help the most when it is mandatory to have them on, when non-activation has consequences, and when footage is reviewed and shared in serious cases.
There is also a lawful standard for force. International principles say police must use non-violent means as far as possible, and any force must be necessary and proportionate given the context. Medical aid after injury is part of the duty, and carrying a suspect to a prison cell while allegedly seriously injured is not only a breach of their duty but a lack of humanity. These are not optional. They are basic rules in our democratic society.
Being a police officer is not a licence to beat persons whom they assume have less power than them. Where excessive force is proven, civil action can follow against the State in appropriate cases. If superiors within the force treat these matters lightly, the courts will not. Officers are not immune to the law that they serve. That is how accountability works in a country that respects the rule of law.
To possibly lessen allegations of excessive use of force, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force should first adopt body cameras across the board with a clear policy. Cameras must be on during stops, searches, arrests, and any use of force. Non-activation, improper deactivation, or tampering should bring discipline to the offending officers. Footage from serious incidents should be reviewed quickly and shared with the public when the law allows. Second, publish and enforce a use of force policy that reflects necessity, proportionality, and a duty to de-escalate. That policy must require reports, supervisor reviews, and prompt medical aid after any injury. Third, train every officer in calm communication and safe restraint, and measure performance with public data on use of force and camera use. Fourth, set up independent review for serious incidents so people can see that justice is being done.
Most officers serve with pride and do their job well. We have many noteworthy and helpful officers, especially in the Traffic Department, like Junior Young, who is exceptional. Officers such as Sherissa Pompey and many others bring pride to the police force. Many already do the right thing, but there is room for improvement.
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