The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of State for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday that police officers are entitled to defend themselves against would-be criminals, using any means necessary.

Mr Bell’s comments came after four men were shot by police in four days. The latest shooting Wednesday night left the suspect in serious condition in hospital.

Mr Bell said it is unfortunate that it has come to the point where suspects are being shot, but police have to respond appropriately to every situation they encounter.

“You have to understand that this year alone police have removed in excess of 300 illegal weapons off the streets. Criminals are realising that police are now up to the task and when they get caught in illegal activities, they would do anything not to go jail,” he said.

“These officers are just defending themselves against being attacked. In the constitution it justifies force of arms if you feel like your life is in danger. These officers are putting their lives on the line and have the right to use force – deadly force if necessary.

“Sometimes when these criminals are caught, they do not just surrender, they fight with the police. Being a former officer I know the danger when a person comes to you and confronts you armed.

“There are times when police are on routine patrol and their car gets shot up. Sometimes they can be sitting in their vehicle and someone opens fire on them. Officers are killed in the line of duty more often than we would like. The public needs to understand, these men and women are human and have to protect themselves.”

Mr Bell said every time an officer shoots a suspect, a full investigation is carried out.

He said: “The officer then goes through an evaluation. They go to therapy if needed. The officer will meet with his supervisor and he goes through a process to ensure there is no permanent harm to him.

“Sometimes people can be scarred from those sort of things and so they see a psychologist. Of course we officer the same services to the families of victims and the persons who are shot as well.”

On Wednesday night, a police officer shot a suspect who allegedly attacked him with a knife. According to reports, officers were on foot patrol around 11.30pm through a track road on Milton Street when they observed a man acting suspiciously.

Police say the suspect confronted them with a knife and was subsequently shot.

During the incident, one of the officers received serious injuries to both hands and was taken to hospital, where he was treated and discharged.

The suspect was also taken to hospital where he remains in serious condition, under heavy police guard.

A search of the suspect revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana along with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Early Wednesday morning police shot a suspect and arrested two others after a high speed chase in the capital.

Police were on routine patrol around 4.15am in the area of Balfour Avenue and East Street when they observed the occupants of a white Toyota Corolla acting suspiciously.

When police attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped off and a chase ensued.

Police created a barricade in the area of the Town Centre Mall to stop the suspects, however once of the men fired shots at the officers and drove through the Texaco Service Station.

Moments later, the suspects crashed in to a median on a service road east of British American on Independence Highway.

The men were ordered by police to exit the vehicle but instead the driver attempted to run the officers over.

Officers then drew their service weapons and fired at the suspects. The vehicle came to a stop and three men exited the car.

One of the men had a gunshot wound to the right hand. He was taken to hospital where he was treated and discharged.