By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

NO disciplinary action will be taken against an officer filmed forcefully seizing a civilian’s phone, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Kirkwood Andrews, who confirmed yesterday that the civilian involved requested only a warning for the senior officer.

The video, which circulated on social media, shows four uniformed officers entering a yard where several minors and at least one adult were gathered. One officer confronts the man filming and says, “I’m letting you know right now, don’t record me without my consent.” Despite the man explaining he was on his own property, the officer confiscates his phone. The man is heard demanding, “Give me my phone.”

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday there is “nothing fundamentally wrong” with recording police officers, as long as footage is not used to alert others to the officers’ presence. “We’re increasing the number of body cameras worn by police, so that police are also recording their interactions,” he said.

Human Rights Bahamas expressed concern over the video, calling for disciplinary action against the officer involved.