351 / 494
350
(ii)
DCP Hinds
10.230.
On 27 May 2015, DCP Hinds gave evidence that there were “over
6,000” detainees. But he said that –
“after a few days, 128 remained. 17 were charged with
offences and a further 8 were held pending further
investigations.”
Speaking of the rationale underlying the mass detentions, DCP Hinds said in
evidence-in-chief:
“In the initial phase of the detention were persons who we
suspected to have been firing weapons at us. That was the
initial phase. There was a State of Emergency. We had a
number of open files and a number of persons who we
detained were also implicated in some of the crimes who we
had open files for. Seventeen (17) persons were actually
arrested and charged and eight (8) persons were not
charged but were the subject of further investigation at that
time.”
10.231.
DCP Hinds stated that detainees were originally held at Mobile
Reserve headquarters but later they were transferred to the National Arena.
Processing also took place at Seprod. In answer to Mrs. DaCosta, he said that,
initially, 4,000 detainees were “from Tivoli Gardens, Denham Town and the
corporate area and, within 5 to 7 days, the majority were released.” At first on
24 May, the headquarters of Mobile Reserve were used as a detention centre but
that soon changed to the National Arena.
(iii)
SSP Graham
10.232.
Some processing was also carried out at Seprod. SSP Donovan
Graham was the second in command at Mobile Reserve and was chosen as a
ground commander for the internal security operation. He established a
command post at Seprod which was used as a temporary detention area.
10.233.
Testifying about the command post, SSP Graham said –