Ex-police officers weigh in High Command investigation over release of foreign couple

Two former officers of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force have weighed in on a statement by the High Command that an investigation has been launched into the release without charge of two white visitors who were arrested and later released without charge for assaulting and beating two uniformed police officers in the lobby of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

The two – a man and woman boarded a flight to Miami after they were released.

The High Command in its statement said it has launched an investigation "to look into all the circumstances surrounding the arrest and release of the two visitors."

"What nonsense is this? Am I hearing that the High Command is ignorant as to what went down and are now launching an investigation?" asked Joseph Brookes, who during his policing career was responsible for training new recruits at the Police Training School in Basseterre. Brookes posted his comments on the official FaceBook page of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF).

Thadeus Depusoir, another ex-police officer noted that the laws of the Federation were enacted for local and visitors to be adhered to.

"The two Officers should have written statements the same night of this incident , so the High Command can use and not rely on the video in public domain. Someone made a decision to release these folks after your officers were hit and pushed around with so much disrespect. I suspect they were Americans because other foreigners would have shown more respect. If they had done the same thing in any state in the US they would have multiple felony charges brought against them. This incident is going to damage the trust that was recently gained by your department," said Depusoir.

He said there is a feeling that this couple was released because of the colour of their skin.

"Recently a black visitor and singer 50 cents was arrested (in St. Kitts) and fined (ten) thousand dollars for profanity. He did not put his hand on any Officer while being arrested," noted Depusoir, who added: "The public is waiting for a response."

Lewis Lestrade said looking at what was recording by someone with a mobile device he was bloody ashamed and disgusted of what took place.

"Police officers being assaulted and does not have a clue how to deal with the situation in a professional manner. Back-up shown have been called for, and arrests should have been made. Assaulting a police officer, drunk and disorderly in a public place, threatening behaviour, in my policing days, he would have felt a touch of my baton and straight on to the bench.. Let's hope you guys use this video as a training Lesson. I say no more," added Lestrade, who also posted on the RSCNPF website.