By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
A WOMAN police constable has been dismissed from the Royal Bahamas Police Force after she was involved in a brawl with several of her colleagues at the funeral of a fellow police officer.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said the officer “has been interdicted from duty by Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade with effect from December 31, 2015”.
“She was charged with several major offences under the Police Disciplinary Regulations,” a statement from ACP Dean said.
“The charges are acting in a manner which is likely to bring discredit to the police force, four counts of assaulting a police officer, and wilfully causing damage to any article or clothing.”
The charges stem from an incident that occurred outside New Bethlehem Baptist Church on Independence Drive following the funeral service of Constable 3657 Wesley Nicholas Gaitor last Thursday.
According to reports, the woman constable was taken into police custody after a fight broke out at the funeral because she was told by a higher-ranking officer to move her vehicle from where she had parked it.
According to police sources, the chaotic scene erupted when the woman officer was asked by a sergeant to move her vehicle, but defied those orders.
Officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force had gathered for the funeral of Constable Gaitor, who died in a car crash with his best friend on the morning of Friday, December 18. He was off duty at the time of the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the constable’s male companion also started to argue with the sergeant, which reportedly led to a fistfight between both men.
When other officers saw what was taking place and attempted to separate the two, sources say the female constable’s friends joined the fight.
This went on for several minutes before the fight was broken up.
Afterwards, the woman constable and others who had joined the fight were taken into custody, The Tribune was told.
When asked last week if any officer would face disciplinary action for the fight, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade told The Tribune: “Definitely.”
He also said that action would be taken against the civilians involved.
A photograph of the officer, who was reportedly attacked, was circulated on social media last week showing him with a torn uniform.
Comments
GrassRoot 8 years, 3 months ago
Good and decisive action by the Commissioner.
realfreethinker 8 years, 3 months ago
Now we just need good and decisive decision from our government to resign
Honestman 8 years, 3 months ago
Correct decision but it is depressing that the RBDF's recruitment standards are so low. This contributes towards corruption and the failure of the judicial system.
jamaicaproud 8 years, 3 months ago
No due process and hearing?
Shirley 8 years, 3 months ago
She had her due process, and besides, her despicable behaviour was witnessed by numerous members of the police force and captured on camera. I say good riddance.
jamaicaproud 8 years, 3 months ago
I don't have a bull in this fight, however be sure this thing will wind and wind through courts. Even an Officer who commits murder cannot be fired that fast. Its always best to go through the slow process and make things right.
Godson 8 years, 3 months ago
I have a vision and a plan...
Stapedius 8 years, 3 months ago
And all of this to show you bad. Poor judgment and stupid thinking on the part of this officer. If our police cannot show restraint and follow orders then we are doomed. Hopefully she has learned the lesson to its sometimes better to hold your tongue and walk away. Come on! Over a parking spot.
EasternGate 8 years, 3 months ago
They live among us....even in uniform!
thephoenix562 8 years, 3 months ago
ACP Stephen Dean said she was interdicted from duty.That means she was put on half pay and sent home pending the outcome of her case at the Police tribunal.She may well be fired but not untill the matter is finished.If she wins her case she is entitled to full back pay.There have been officers interdicted for years and some who have simply been sent home and was still receiving full pay in some cases more than 2 years later.
An officer may be interdicted when disciplinary proceedings for his/her dismissal are being undertaken or are about to be undertaken. Interdiction may also take place on the grounds that criminal charges are pending. In this case, the officer is placed on half salary.
An officer may also be interdicted if suspected of wrong doing even when no criminal charges are pending.
banker 8 years, 3 months ago
So much for respect. Respect for authority. Respect for the dead. Respect for parking conventions and norms. Respect for other people. Respect for the family of the deceased. Sad. Sad. Sad.
It shows you how deep that the unraveling of societal ethics and norms has become.
asiseeit 8 years, 3 months ago
This is just one example of a grown person who has the reasoning of a child. This is a major problem in the Bahamas, most adults do not know how to conduct themselves as ADULTS. You have people who appear to be mature but once you interact with them it is very apparent they are still children in their thinking and actions. It is time for Bahamians to GROW UP AND ACT AS ADULTS, not snotty nosed children who still have no concept of right and wrong!
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