Commish tells cops not to block JPs from visiting lock-ups

The Police Commissioner is reminding commanding officers that Justices of the Peace should not be prevented from visiting lock ups.

In the latest Force Orders, the commissioner said JPs have a duty to visit police lock-ups, to ensure that the arrangements for the detention and custody of prisoners are in keeping with Force Policy.

Committees comprising JPs have been established by Custodes in all parishes and are mandated to visit police lock ups and document conditions.

The police commissioner said JPs should therefore be given access to the facilities to carry out their functions.

He said the date, time and observations made by the Justices should be documented by police personnel.

The police commissioner said immediately following each visit, the Sub-Officer in charge of the station should copy and certify the entry and send the copy of the review to the Divisional Officer with his own report and comments.

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