Police last week said they were investigating the arrest of a Brown’s Town resident and blogger after he had been taken into custody after he took photographs of police questioning vendors in the Browns Town transport centre. The man, Errol Nisbeth who had taken the pictures on his phone camera was reportedly accosted and the pictures demanded. It is further reported that when he refused to hand over his phone, police confiscated it, took him to the station, wiped off the photos and handcuffed him, with one arm above the head. It is further alleged that they denied him a telephone call and, at first, refused to offer station bail. According to the police high command, it decided to act, following the circulation of an article on social media over the weekend, in which Errol Nisbeth , St Ann resident was reported to have been arrested by the police for taking their photographs. The police high command on Monday, December 1, reportedly issued several directives to the St Ann Divisional Commanders. The police statement did not list the allegation of police behavior though those allegations were widely reported.
The instructions include, that an immediate investigation be conducted in the matter with a view of bringing disciplinary charges if it is found out that the rights of the member of the public was breached,” the police high command statement said. It further aid the St. Ann high command should meet with the community to ensure their relationship with the Police is not in anyway damaged by this incident and that police officers going on duty are reminded about the rights of citizens when carrying out their duties. “The Police high command is once again reminding its members and members of the public that it is within the rights of every or any member of the public to record the activities of any member of the force carrying out duty in the public.” The statement said. Further it said “It should also be noted that this type of activity is encouraged by the Police high command as it often times help in allegations of Police misconduct.”
