Commissioner orders immediate investigation into alleged police brutality

By S.Browne. Updated 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Commissioner of Police Enville Williams has ordered an immediate investigation into a video circulating publicly that appears to show alleged police brutality, as the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) moved to reassure the public that any abuse of authority will not be tolerated.

The video, which has been widely shared online, appears to show an interaction between several police officers and a civilian that has prompted allegations of excessive force.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the RSVGPF acknowledged the public concern generated by the footage and declared that “brutality, unlawful force, intimidation, humiliation, or any abuse of police authority has no place” within the force.

“The public has seen enough to expect a clear response, and that response is this: brutality, unlawful force, intimidation, humiliation, or any abuse of police authority has no place in the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force,” the statement said.

The RSVGPF said the Commissioner condemns any conduct by officers that falls outside the lawful and professional standards expected of the organisation.

“Police authority is granted to protect the public, preserve order, and enforce the law. It must never be used to punish, degrade, or overpower persons beyond what the law permits,” the statement continued.

According to the force, the investigation will be comprehensive and evidence-based, examining the video recording, surrounding circumstances, witness accounts, and the conduct of the officers involved.

“Those investigations will be thorough, fair, and guided by evidence,” the statement said.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the footage, police officials urged members of the public to allow investigators to complete their work before conclusions are reached.

“The public is asked to allow that process to reach the truth. A video may raise serious questions, but a proper investigation must establish the full facts before final decisions are made,” the statement said.

The RSVGPF also made clear that officers found to have acted unlawfully or in breach of disciplinary standards will face consequences.

“Where criminal conduct is established, the full force of the law will be applied. Where disciplinary breaches are proven, the internal process will be pursued firmly,” the statement said, adding that “no officer will be protected by rank, assignment, friendship, seniority, or uniform”.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the High Command will examine whether the incident points to broader concerns within the force, including issues relating to supervision, training, command oversight, or operational decision-making.

“The High Command will also examine whether these incidents reveal wider issues of supervision, training, command oversight, or operational judgment. Corrective action will be taken wherever the evidence requires it,” the statement noted.

The police force acknowledged that public confidence has been affected and said restoring trust will require accountability and visible action.

“The RSVGPF accepts that public confidence has been damaged. That harm cannot be reversed by words. It must be answered by truth, accountability, and visible action,” the statement said.

The force concluded by reaffirming its commitment to balancing effective law enforcement with respect for the rights of citizens.

“The people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are entitled to firm policing. They are also entitled to lawful policing. The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will enforce both standards.”

No further details regarding the incident or the officers involved were disclosed. The investigation remains ongoing.

END