Police Complaints Authority Report
A consolidated Annual Report covering the Police Complaints Authority’s activities for the years 2008 through 2010 has been completed and was tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday [Feb. 13].
National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said now the backlog in reporting on the PCA’s complaints procedures had been cleared, the body was in better placed to hear and process grievances from the public.
“There is a delicate balance to be struck between the need in these times for strong enforcement and the fair treatment of those who come into contact with the Bermuda Police Service,” said the Minister. “I am satisfied that the balance is appropriately struck and that both [the Police and PCA] aims and objectives fulfill important and congruous roles in our democracy.
“… The work to devise a system that provides for the finality of complaints is ongoing.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, in a Statement to this Honourable House on 13th May 2011, I indicated to Honourable Members that contrary to Section 27 of the Police Complaints Authority Act 1998, the Reports of the Authority had not been submitted to the Minister responsible since 2008.
Mr. Speaker, as I undertook to do at that time, I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that a consolidated Annual Report for the years 2008 through 2010 has been prepared and is now tabled in this Honourable House.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the former Chairman of the PCA Ms. Michelle St. Jane for her service and for the completion of this consolidated Annual Report. Mr. Speaker, the Report cites the challenges with a backlog of complaints and I am pleased to advise Honourable Members that the backlog has been cleared and the PCA attends to complaints speedily.
Mr. Speaker, there is a delicate balance to be struck between the need in these times for strong enforcement and the fair treatment of those who come into contact with the Bermuda Police Service. I am satisfied that the balance is appropriately struck and that both agencies’ aims and objectives fulfill important and congruous roles in our democracy.
Mr. Speaker, those areas of Police administration highlighted by the Report have been ascribed the required priority by the Commissioner and the Ministry. The work to devise a system that provides for the finality of complaints is ongoing.
Honourable Members and the public can take confidence in the work of the PCA as a vital check and balance on the activities of a powerful arm of the State charged with maintaining law and good order.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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