Another Black Eye For Police Force

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police

Monday, 23 April 2012 02:30

By Everton Barnes

Antigua St John's - Three men have been arrested in connection with a case of alleged insurance fraud, but the police are on the hunt for one of their own who allegedly absconded.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Supt Nuffield Burnette said the police will spare no efforts to have the officer returned to the country to face justice.

“We know his destination when he left the island, and already we are making efforts to have him returned," Burnette said. "I don’t anticipate any difficulty. For now, there are two charges - fleeing justice and his involvement in the insurance fraud case."

The senior cop acknowledged that the force's image was recently tarnished after another officer was allegedly involved in the murder of gas station attendant Dorothy Prince in February.

“When we investigate a crime, we do so with much vigour, irrespective of whom we suspect to be the perpetrators," he said. "But our image suffers each time a police officer is involved in criminal activity, as the public holds members of the force to a much higher standard than any other group of citizens."

He added that when police officers are allegedly involved in such activities, the overall impact on the force is negative. He said tougher screening methods might help, but some undesirables may still become members of the force.

“We have to do a better job of ensuring that officers remain true to their pledges and the new commissioner, Vere Browne, and his senior management are committed to that,” he said.

The three people charged in defrauding FDICIC insurance company of over $120,000 are a former police officer, Freestan Jacobs, of Yorks, Damien Chastanet of Paynters, and Calleve Bailey of Potters. The fourth person allegedly involved in the crime is Constable Vigo, who is said to have left for St Maarten.

Meanwhile, the police have charged 55-year-old Wesson Wiltshire of Potters with attempted murder after a fight that left Devon Browne, 55, of Armstrong Road with a fractured skull. Brown is hospitalised in stable but critical condition. Both men are employees of the Central Board of Health (CBH).

In related news, Burnette said there has been no development in the armed robbery case involving the woman who was robbed by three armed men at her Willoughby Bay home on Thursday night. The thieves made off with cash, electronic items, and her car.

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