#BTColumn – Political meddling in the Force cancerous

The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by McDonald Woodroffe

There has always been political interference, after a sort, in the affairs of the Royal Barbados Police Force. Any person who denies this fact is suffering from a hopeless case of naiveness or is, tongue in cheek, facetiously poking fun at the organisation.

Interference begins at the recruitment stage and can include transfers, promotions, placement and or the duties of police officers.

It is a sad but true commentary that these interventions are sometimes facilitated and condoned within the Force, either through fear or favour.

The stark reality is that most police officers are affiliated to some political party. This is not uncommon in police forces and is to be expected when one considers that police officers form part of the electorate.

Former officers Kenneth Best and Desmond Sands ran for political office after leaving the profession. Others have spoken on political platforms or have been otherwise busily engaged in furthering the causes of candidates.

It, however, becomes problematic when principles are compromised for the sake of political expediency. This occurs when the line of demarcation which separates profession from politics becomes blurred and officers find themselves in the objectionable positions where integrity is secondary to political allegiance. This, fortunately, does not apply to the majority of our police officers.

Political powers flourish in such environments and there have been known cases of conspiracy and manipulation in order to reward devotees while giving the cold shoulder to others who often stand head and shoulder above those in favour. These practices usually create divisions within the Force and some of those rifts remain open despite the departures of the main characters.

A recent and telling example of political interference was the delayed retirement of Commissioner Tyrone Griffith and Deputy Commissioner Oral Williams at the request of the Government. Both of these officers were past their shelf lives and, as seen during the period of their delayed departure, no longer had any significant contribution to make to the organisation.

Their retention, other than to satisfy some hidden agenda, was a complete waste of space, time and expenditure. In the interest of the Force their honourable response should have been to respectfully decline the offer and gracefully take their leave of the Force.

The police force, in the meanwhile, continues to drift like a vessel without a rudder. Its state can be aptly described as one of suspended animation.

The apathy and disillusionment of its members are palpable as they longingly await the long overdue announcement of a new captain. The prolonged delay can cause psychological stress, which according to research could manifest itself in physical ailments or lax professionalism.

Commissioner Griffith will soon join former Deputy Commissioner Williams in retirement but the identity of his successor remains shrouded in secrecy. The Barbados Defence Force has a new Chief of Staff and a President has been elected for a republic which is yet to come into being. The Royal Barbados Police Force remains leaderless since, at this stage, Commissioner Griffith is obviously just a figurehead. This reflects the high regard shown for our dedicated officers.

The focus has been placed on the Protection Services Commission but this body is questionable. It is viewed by many as facilitating the real decision makers in the selection of a Commissioner of Police. I believe that the die has already been cast and it is only a matter of making the announcement.

The decision, based on the requirements and in the absence of personal biases, likes and dislikes should have been an easy one. It is hoped that wisdom prevailed in the choice because this is not a time for gerrymandering and treating the police force as a political football.

The Force is currently disorganised and needs to settle after experiencing the unprecedented removal of a Commissioner, court cases in respect of promotion and the baffling and questionable decisions by its administration. The return to normality can only begin with the selection of the right leader. Any more shocks will certainly propel the organisation into complete disarray.

McDonald Woodroffe is a retired Senior Superintendent of Police. This column was offered as a Letter to the Editor.