By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday called for an independent inquiry, before the end of the week, into the deaths of two young men while in police custody over the weekend.

Dr Minnis also questioned whether Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage gave police officers a directive to “shoot to kill” or “shoot first and ask questions later.”

In a statement, Dr Minnis said it is no longer acceptable for the Police to police themselves as “the growing number of deaths by able bodied persons in police custody has reached alarming proportions.”

“It is hard for average Bahamians to accept that these deaths can be the result of natural causes. 

“It is time for the Minister of National Security to establish an independent inquiry to investigate and report to the Bahamian people on the precise causes of these deaths. It is also necessary for the Minister to include in the inquiry’s terms of reference a comprehensive review of the rapidly accelerated number of police involved shootings since May 7, 2012. This inquiry should be set up before the end of this week. The membership of the independent inquiry should be determined in consultation with the Leader of the Official Opposition,” he said.

“The Minister of National Security must explain to the Bahamian people whether his government’s new “swift justice” programme means that the Royal Bahamas Police Force has been authorized to grant swift justice to alleged criminals by assuming the responsibility as judge, jury and executioner. Specifically, the Minister needs to explain whether he has given the Police direct or unstated approval ,with a wink and a nod, to “shoot to kill” or “shoot first and ask questions later.” 

Dr Minnis said the FNM is grateful for the sacrifice of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the fact that they put their lives on the line everyday. However he said , we still live in a nation of laws and the rights of all persons – victims and accused – must be respected and protected.

”A nation,” he said, “with a respect for natural justice cannot turn a blind eye to potential acts of vigilante justice—even if executed by its police force. To this point, the public has given its police force the benefit of the doubt. Now, a line has been crossed and the Commissioner and the Minister of National Security have a great deal of explaining to do. They must be held accountable. The establishment of an independent inquiry is a critically important first step.”

“The work of the inquiry should and must be open; it cannot be conducted in secret. Bahamians have a right to hear the facts—wherever they lead. This is an appropriate time for yet another careful look at the process by which interviews are conducted and statements are taken. The FNM is adamant that this cannot be another example of the Minister and Commissioner glossing over the facts with internal inquiries. They should treat Bahamians with respect, credit them with maturity to handle the truth, and that truth must be disclosed.”

Matthew Pratt, 33, and Aaron Rolle, 21, both died while in police custody over the weekend. Their deaths are being investigated by Coroner Dr Linda Virgil.

According to statistics released by Commissioner Greenslade there were 243 complaints filed against police officers, last year.

Of that number 128 were cases of assault. Nineteen cases were forwarded to the Tribunal, five were informally solved, 30 were withdrawn, six were found to be unsubstantiated, 15 were determined unfounded, eight were concluded for insufficient evidence and four officers were warned. The other matters are still being investigated.