Blind police abuse

“I explained to the policeman that an owner could not be charged for trespassing on his own property,” Suratt said. He was arrested and alleges he was humiliated.

Though his stay at the Santa Cruz Police Station lasted two hours, he left the premises after no charges were laid.

A review must be conducted by the Police Service and the Police Complaints Authority, the officers involved suspended, and compensation to Suratt entertained. While other sides to this story may come to light, the reports published thus far – which have not been contradicted by the Police – paint a picture of the exercise of power in dubious circumstances. Where was the discretion? The Police Service has earned a dubious reputation in relation to the disabled. A case involving wheelchair-bound Robby Ramcharitar shocked the nation last year and two SRPs are currently before a magistrate as a result.

Unfortunately, Ramcharitar died last month before he had his day in court.

The irony is the arrest of Suratt came as the State has been seeking to appear more accommodating to the needs of the blind. Last month, Minister of Finance Colm Imbert announced his ministry had intervened in the issue of backpay owed to the Association.

Last week’s arrest also came as a High Court judge expressed the view that there is much confusion in relation to police powers. Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh ruled in favour of two men who had been detained at the Couva Police Station for almost three days in relation to a murder probe. The judge said the distinction between suspects, persons of interest and persons who are not suspects was not applied.

“State attorneys must provide guidance to police officers on powers they have and do not have since there are too many cases which have come before the court where persons have been falsely imprisoned,” the judge said.

Globally, the question of how police officers arrest civilians has been subject to much scrutiny due to the reach of social media. In the US in particular, attention has been drawn to how white police officers have engaged black men and teens. Sadly, at a time when crime is spiking and we need the police more than ever, citizens have little cause for confidence.

Though the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Director David West has told Newsday the probe into the infamous day of “Total Policing” is done, he has not set a clear time-line for the drawing up of his report, nor has there been any publication of findings of fact. The Police Service itself has ducked from the matter, citing the PCA’s probe and its unilateral interpretation of the PCA statute.

As the PCA and the Police Service continue their dance, the Police Service Commission remains in a precarious position. It was not consulted by the State in relation to the tabling of new processes to hire a top cop. And now it has had to start this process over after a judge struck down two sections of the new law. The PSC also regards the Government’s plan to establish a police inspectorate and authority as a direct threat. More has to be done to address all of these issues.

But the question of training is at the heart of Suratt’s arrest. If officers do not comply with best practice when engaging citizens, the blind will continue to lead the blind