By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Commissioner of Police Anthony Rolle defended a police operation at the Sand Trap on West Bay Street, saying officers acted within their rights while investigating an alleged illegal prostitution operation.

The comments followed a viral video showing members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) conducting a search at the location at night.

The video, posted on Facebook, showed at least three officers amid a chaotic scene. The person filming identified himself as the owner of the building, Cyril Minnis. As he approached, he saw the officers standing outside the door.

One resident is heard telling an officer that she did not have any money. He replied, “I ga find out.”

Many Facebook users questioned why police were conducting a search for illegal migrants instead of the Immigration Department. Others suggested the officers were soliciting bribes or intimidating residents.

As Mr Minnis got closer, the woman said the officer she spoke to requested $250. The male officer quickly dismissed the claim when the camera turned on him.

The officer said residents must prove their citizenship to remain in the country. Those who cannot may be arrested, charged in the Magistrate Court, and fined for deportation.

When Mr Minnis asked, “Excuse me, who is the senior officer here?” The officer replied: “Why you asking for the senior officer?” He told Mr Minnis the officers were acting on information about illegal prostitution and that Inspector Brown and Constable Rolle were conducting the operation.

Regarding a search warrant, the officer said one was not needed if an inspector is present. “Once an Inspector and above is here, we don’t need a paper search warrant. She is the search warrant,” he said.

At one point, a female officer asked Mr Minnis if he had brought in the women living in the building. He said he did not and only rented out the property.

A woman, apparently a resident, was seen in tears as officers surrounded her. Mr Minnis was heard trying to calm her in Spanish. Officers then asked Mr Minnis and the residents for identification, with one officer shouting for compliance.

An officer called the control room to check residents’ names, but no arrests were made after the report came back negative.

Deputy Commissioner Anthony Rolle said he was unaware of the incident and did not know exactly when it occurred. He explained that officers can act on information received through a police portal.

On the issue of search warrants, he said the Police Force Act allows officers of inspector rank and above to enter and search premises without a warrant if they believe a crime is being committed.

“They didn’t really do anything wrong,” he said. “From what I saw, they said what they had to say. The only thing I saw that they did was a few name checks, and they left.”

Deputy Commissioner Rolle added that the RBPF has conducted several operations in the area before, and being recorded ensures officers perform their duties appropriately.

Since the incident, he said he has received no complaints but urged anyone who believes officers breached their duties to report it to the Complaints and Corruption Branch.