Barbaric treatment by police

THE EDITOR: On one horrible Friday morning, almost three weeks ago, around 2 am about five Sangre Grande policemen stormed into my son’s home, beat and dragged him off his bed with only his underwear on taking him to the district police station. These cursing policemen claimed that there was a warrant for him due for maintenance he had owed the court. However, I am not disputing the fact that he had owed the court but the manner in which these men came at his Cunaripo home is disgusting. This course of action was horrendous, appalling and nerve-wracking for my son, his wife and their baby. While being dragged like a wild beast, My son pleaded with them that it would be improper to appear before a Magistrate inappropriately attired. They soon came to their senses. Hardly had he received a pants from his wife, who is mentally and physically disturbed over the ordeal, they violently kicked it away from his hand.

In addition they squeezed his wife’s hands demanding the key to open the door since they forced their way into his bedroom by jumping over his fence and finally using a ladder. Eventually they broke down the door. They disregarded his wife’s privacy. What was frighteningly amazing when I proceeded to the Sangre Grande station to see my son,  was that these so-called law enforcers devoid of any interpersonal skills kept demanding vociferously the money. I was puzzled as to whether to pay the police or the court. My son is currently languishing in Golden Grove Prison ‘‘bare feet.’’ He was even denied the opportunity to put on a slipper. At most times he is gravely ill. I am pleading for justice as a result of the barbaric treatment that was inflicted on my son. He is not a hardened criminal. Certainly, if he was from Westmoorings the treatment would have been different. With immediate effect, the Commissioner of Police should promptly investigate this cruel matter and order training for these men who pride themselves as police officers who usually display no regard for people in this country.

CYNTHIA ARRINDELL
Morvant