Caption: Director of the Police Complaints Authority David West
By Alicia Chamely
THE Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is striking back at those questioning its independence and demanding the resignation of its director David West.
Since the State of Emergency (SoE) was declared on July 19, six people have been fatally shot by police officers.
The most recent shooting took place on July 26, when a suspect in a domestic violence report attacked and stabbed a police officer. Other officers at the scene discharged their firearms in defence. The suspect was transported to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where he was declared dead.
Before this latest shooting, West released a statement on July 24 regarding the increase in fatal police shootings, he said, “In the five days since the State of Emergency has commenced, there have been five incidents of police-involved fatal shootings. The PCA is actively monitoring these occurrences and is committed to thoroughly investigating each incident, in accordance with its legislative mandate.
“The PCA remains steadfast in its role as an independent oversight body and continues to call for accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law in all police interactions with members of the public; particularly in periods of heightened security operations.”
Since his statement, West and PCA had received public criticism, politically aligning them and accusing them of not supporting the SoE.
In a media release on Sunday, the PCA responded to a post being circulated online, calling for West’s resignation and questioning the independence of the PCA.
The PCA stated, “As an independent civilian oversight body, the PCA’s statement was issued within the context of its legislative mandate, established under the Police Complaints Authority Act.”
Addressing West, they said, “Calls for the resignation of the Director in response to the lawful execution of the PCA’s duties are therefore noted but will not deter the Authority from fulfilling its mandate.”
The PCA would continue to be committed to impartiality, fairness, and the protection of all citizens’ rights, the release stated.
