PCA head: Rise in complaints against cops … but human trafficking allegations decrease

Sascha Wilson

Senior Reporter

[email protected]

Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Director David West says although complaints against police officers have increased, the number of allegations against officers related to human trafficking has decreased.

During an interview on CNC3’s Morning Brew yesterday, West said collaborative efforts between the PCA and the TTPS have improved, and legislation has improved the accountability of the police service.

He said, “Investigations have increased, complaints have increased, but we have also gone more digital in terms of: we have our app, we have body cameras, and we also have audiovisual recording equipment that we take on the field to record statements.”

He said they have seen a decrease in human trafficking allegations against police officers, from five to seven to two or three, “if that much.”

West commended the TTPS for cracking down on rogue police officers, as he believes it has contributed to the decrease in human trafficking matters against them.

He believes the efforts of the Ministry of National Security and the oversight by the Professional Standards Bureau and PCA are making a difference. “I haven’t seen a (human trafficking) file come across my desk in quite a while.”

West said they were working on completing all their investigations, but matters involving fatal shootings are more complex and would take a longer time. He said that for the year, there have been 17 police shootings that resulted in 23 deaths.

West said they try to investigate complaints quickly and efficiently, but they rely on third parties, including the Forensic Science Centre and health facilities, for reports.

Encouraging members of the public to download the PCA app, he said it was interactive and easy to use.

Last month, the Police Complaints Authority stated it had closed 144 complaints in the first three months of this year, but there were still 780 active probes.