Commissioner of Police Enville Williams has called on attorney-at-law, Grant Connell to produce the evidence, if he has any, that illegal firearms turned in to the police are returned to the streets by some police officers.
Williams disregarded the claim via a video statement, saying that the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) noted with grave concern the comments attributed to the prominent lawyer during proceedings at the Serious Offences Court.
On April 20, 2Connell said that people who are willing to turn in illegal firearms to the police need to be careful which officer they give the firearm to, as the possibility existed that the firearm may end up back on the street.
He made the comment during the trial of 25-year-old Deondre France of Stubbs, who was arrested and charged for having in his possession a .380 pistol without a licence.
France was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 27 months in prison for the offence.
“I want to state emphatically that there is no truth, absolutely no truth in this crazy suggestion by counsel,” Williams said in the statement.
“Every firearm in police custody can be accounted for, and none have ever been returned to the streets in the hands of criminals. If counsel have evidence to this regard, he must come forward with his evidence so that investigations can be conducted and persons held accountable,” he said.
The commissioner urged Connell to stop making “wanton and lawless” statements that he said seek to raise fear among the public and cast a scourge on the character of the men and women of the constabulary.
“Concerns about misconduct, if counsel have such, must be reported and we will conduct all necessary investigations openly, fairly and without anything to hide.”
He further cautioned Connell to discontinue pushing the limits of the law, saying the lawyer will be held accountable for his statements.
Williams said that the police force will not shield any officer who breaks the law and if credible information is provided of any wrongdoing by an officer, then the matter will be investigated and action taken.
He explained that illegal firearms were not minor offences and that they were instruments of violence used to threaten, wound or kill.
And every firearm removed from unlawful possession reduces the risk to innocent citizens,
Williams said, adding that Connell’s statement was intended to create fear around the surrender of illegal firearms and cause persons to delay concealed weapons or avoid lawful channels.
“This is not responsible guidance; this is a dangerous message. It benefits only criminals and weakens public safety and increases the risk for further violence,” the police chief said.
“We strongly encourage anyone in possession of illegal firearms or anyone with knowledge of the location of an illegal firearm to contact the police without delay,” he said.
