Police must respect, protect citizens' constitutional and democratic rights: DFP

Dominica: The Dominica Freedom Party expressed a deep concern about the nature of policing seen recently in Dominica, especially on Thursday, March 4, 2021 in response to protests by citizens who have expressed concern about two young men's well-being who were arrested.

"We have witnessed a policing method that has increased the confrontation, and believe that the police should try to scale down these situations and try to bring about a dialogue of peace with citizens," said Bernard Hurtault, Interim Political Leader, Dominica Freedom Party.

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica guarantees citizens the "right to freedom of conscience, expression and assembly and association." In dealing with protesters, the police must respect and protect citizens' constitutional and democratic rights to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the government's decisions and actions, said Hurtault.

The party encourages the Dominica Police Service to perform its functions in the country's best interests by treating everyone equally, enforcing the country's laws and conducting professional investigations, with persons arrested, or released or before the court “without undue delay” as provided in the Constitution. Residents should not be subjected to cruelty or assault by the police while exercising their constitutional rights.

The Dominica Freedom Party calls on the Commissioner of Police and his management team to take control of this downward spiral and return the police service to the professional and disciplined power it once was. We recommend that programs be put in place, including the appropriate training to help officers behave in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the operation of the service, while remaining clear to the political party.

We believe that these professional approaches will make a great way to restore trust and respect between the public and the police, while ensuring the continued peaceful existence of all Dominicans, regardless of political affiliation.