National Assembly’s defence committee visits Central Police Station   |28 August 2021

The defence and security committee of the National Assembly chaired by Honourable Clifford Andre, yesterday visited the Central Police Station.

The visit forms part of a series of visits by the committee to police, security and intelligence entities for onsite knowledge on the infrastructure and the services being carried out in line with their respected budget requirements.

Apart from Honourable Andre, the other members present were Hon. François Adelaide, Hon. Audrey Vidot, Hon. Churchill Gill, Hon. Michel Roucou and Hon. Doyace Porice. Hon. Sandy Arissol was not present.

They were met on arrival by the Commissioner of Police, Ted Barbe, and other senior police officers.

Following a meeting with the police officers, the members of the defence and security committee were led on a tour of the Central Police Station which houses the administration, human resource, finance, the head of operation, the cells, the traffic main office, the communication and command centre and the internal tribunal and the Interpol units, among other sections.

Speaking to the press after the visit, Honourable Andre said the station lacks space, human and material resources.  

He further said that as the police station is old, it needs to be upgraded so that the working environment will be more conducive for the police officers.

He added that there is a need for resources to be invested in human capacity, equipment and upgrading of the station.

He noted that the station should improve the sleeping conditions in the cell block.

“From this visit, we now have a clear understanding of the needs of the station. It also puts us in a better position to scrutinise the police budget when it will appear before the National Assembly,” Honourable Andre said.   

Commissioner Barbe said that the visit is important to the police as it has given the defence and security committee members the chance to see the work environment at the police station.  

He noted that among the challenges, spacing and the need for some specific equipment are causes of great concern.

He noted that the equipment, such as body cameras and traffic motor-bikes, as examples, are in need for the current work situations the police are now involved in.

“Today we have funds only to entertain the day to day running of the station and police work but not enough to buy new equipment. And those equipment needed are quite expensive,” the commissioner said.

On a side note, Commissioner Barbe reiterated that the police will continue to take appropriate actions against its officers who break police rules and regulations.

He said that actions include suspension while investigation is underway pending appearances in court to face charges if need be.

He added that police operations in black spots around the country are still ongoing.

With regard to the arms ultimatum, he said that the police will take action according to law with anyone found to be unlawfully in possession of arms and ammunition.  

The accompanying photographs show some highlights of the visit.

Patrick Joubert

Photos by Louis Toussaint