They were assigned to do community policing work, but two constables in Placencia are accused of engaging in some very vile behavior with boys in the police youth cadet corps.
Reports we have gotten say that the officers forced the cadets to take nude pictures, and charged them for use of the restroom and drinking water.
Today, two constables were brought up on disciplinary charges. The Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch Joseph Myvette told the media more - but not a whole lot more - today:
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head - NCIB
"Because of the fact that the investigation involved minors, I will not go into the details, but I can tell you that an investigation was done. Two officers have since been placed on charged; one got 5 disciplinary charges and the other one had one charge. They will be interdicted today as soon as they have appeared before a tribunal they will be interdicted today and it is likely that if they are able to keep their job at the end of this, they will certainly be removed from the community policing unit."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Was there any opportunity based on the allegations to press criminal charges?"
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head - NCIB
"No, there was none."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Okay, so there were both criminal offence?"
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head - NCIB
"No."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Fair enough."
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head - NCIB
"The complainants preferred that they did not want criminal charges then."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"What were the extent of the behavior that these police officers engaged in? One: did they forced young males who were cadets to pose nude for photographs or to take nude photographs? Two: did they force them to pay for water which is free?"
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head - NCIB
"I cannot say whether or not any photos were taken, because I was not a part of the investigation. I have not been so briefed."
The officers pleaded not guilty to disciplinary charges - and the matter will now be sent to a tribunal.
As you heard, police would not confirm whether pictures were taken, or whether these were found on any cell phones. As they say, the investigation is ongoing and we'll keep following it.
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