PLACENCIA, Stann Creek District, Thurs. Nov. 16, 2017–At a police press brief held at the Racoon Street Police Station this morning, ACP Joseph Myvette revealed that two policemen stationed in Placencia who are accused of abusing members of the Placencia Police Cadets during a hike on Saturday, have been interdicted from duties.

The officers, members of the Placencia Community Police Unit, have been arrested and charged internally (not criminally) for breaching the Police Officers Code of Conduct. They will be tried by a police tribunal for the offences.

Allegations against the policemen are that last Saturday they took members of the Police Cadets on a hike, during which, the young cadets allege, the officers took nude pictures of them after ordering them to take off their clothes.

The officers also made them pay for water and for use of the restroom.

ACP Myvette said that the Professional Standards Branch launched an investigation after they received the report. Five charges have been brought against one of the policemen, and the other officer faces one charge.
ACP Myvette said that the officers are not being charged criminally because that is the wish expressed by the parents of the boys, who have the prerogative to make that decision.

ACP Dezerie Phillips, the Regional Commander, explained that when a person makes a report to the police, they are given options regarding what course of action to take. They can choose for the suspect to be taken to court, or they can request that the police handle the matter internally. She said it is not uncommon for people to decline court action.

As per the apparent new modus operandi of police brass, the names of the officers accused of the dastardly act have not been released.