Complaints of victimisation during recent police raids are being investigated, the new Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), retired judge William Ramlal has confirmed.
While he did not go into details of the cases being investigated, Ramlal noted that the PCA has received reports from Sheneza Bacchus and Carlene Kishna of East La Penitence as well as Sandy Akra and another resident of Westminster, West Bank Demerara, among others.
Reports were made to the PCA, after which investigations were launched.
On October 24th, a group of four persons, purporting to be from the Police Narcotics Branch, showed up at Bacchus’ Lot 241 Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, home and demanded that they be allowed to search the premises.
Akra subsequently came forward with her story of being strip-searched in the presence of male police in her home a few Sundays ago. Days after Akra related her story, another Westminster resident came forward and claimed that ranks barged into her home and caused damage, for which compensation is being requested.
Ramlal said approximately 50 complaints of unprofessional behaviour by the police have been received since he has assumed the Chairmanship. He, however, stated that while the matters are being investigated, some cases have been delayed due to statements not being made available by police ranks. Notwithstanding, Ramlal stressed that Commissioner of Police Leslie James has pledged his full support to the work of the authority.
A backlog of over 400 cases greeted Ramlal when he assumed office in September. The new Chairman said he and his staff are working to reduce the backlog while at the same time giving attention to current matters.
Ramlal was appointed approximately a year and a half after the previous office holder, former Chancellor Cecil Kennard, was asked to step down due to his age.
