Cops dismiss CAPI’s claim

Livern Barrett, Gleaner Writer

The head of the Area One Police which covers four western parishes, has dismissed claims that local police personnel are demanding favours in exchange for permits to host entertainment events.

The denial by Senior Superintendent, Devon Watkis comes in response to claims by the group Citizens Action for Principle and Integrity (CAPI), that the granting of permits by the police in St. James is akin to extortion.

In a letter to Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, CAPI claims that the police in St. James are granting permits on the condition that promoters utilise cops to provide security.

In the letter, which was circulated to the media, the group claims that before permits are granted police personnel are also demanding full payment for their services and what they referred to as an administrative fee.

However, Senior Superintendent Watkis said he is confident that his commanding officers are adhering to the law under which permits are granted.

He said permits are approved or denied for various reasons as each application is evaluated on its own merit.

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