Cops still probing cops

In an interview with Newsday, West confirmed that an arrangement entered into by previous director Gillian Lucky (now a judge), will be maintained.

“Well yes for the time being, until we get our legislation in place,” West said. “At this time we cannot go on a crime scene, and collect exhibits. Until we get the legislation amended we can only monitor and audit investigations. The old arrangements are in place.”

The PCA is charged with investigating instances where police officers kill civilians to determine whether any wrong has been done.

It is envisioned as an independent watchdog. However, in practice the PCA does not conduct its own complete investigations, leaving that matter to the police. Instead, the PCA “audits” the police probe.

West said he is seeking legislative amendment to the law governing the PCA.

“I am working to amend the powers as well as seeking other amendments,” he said. He said the PCA does have some means of investigating matters. “Currently, we can take statements, visit the crime scene later to see if there is any inconsistency in the police file. We can also request the post-mortem report. We can compare the accounts of officers with that of eyewitnesses.”

On the time-line for new legislation, West said the first quarter of 2015 is the aim.

“I am looking end of April or May,” he said. “The matter has to be approved by the Legislation Review Committee of the Cabinet.

“Meanwhile, I am building resources.” On the funding of the PCA, he said, “We have to make do with what we have. We have a mandate to fulfill and we have to fulfill the mandate.”

West assumed the post earlier this month. There have been 43 reported police killings for the year, with the most recent incident occurring on November 20 with the death of Ray Phillips.