A précis of my complaint against
the Bermuda Police Service
My complaint is very simple and finds it basis
in the most common of rights:
- you are innocent until proven guilty
Sadly, this is not the way the Bermuda police
service operates. If there is an allegation or suspicion of guilt; the law
will be by-passed.
In my case, two petty allegations were made
against me. The police code of conduct requires that these are put to me,
investigated and (if appropriate) a disciplinary hearing follows. The
parallel of this process is the criminal judicial system; if someone is
suspected of committing a crime, there is an investigation and if sufficient
evidence exists, a court hearing will follow. The court hearing is
essential; it provides the accused the ability to put their side of the story
and present evidence contradicting the prosecutions account. It also
enables an independent person (jury) to consider the evidence.
This is what should happen in the police
service, it is written into their discipline code and to keep someone from this
basic human right is an abuse amounting (I would suggest) to oppression - in
itself an offence.
- I was not advised of these allegations
- There was no investigation
- There was no consideration of the evidence
- There was no hearing
- I was unable to put my case
In very simplistic terms - if I had been
guilty of heinous offences, I am still entitled to put my case; for the judicial
process to operate.
It did not; I was deprived a basic human right
by the Commissioner of Police and the Governor's office (who subsequently
endorsed the Commissioner's decision).
I take great exception to the Bermuda Police's
ability to act is such a manner and will continue to maintain this web site
until the subject is resolved.
In 1990, I became involved in all major
investigations. With regard to the 'Miranda' enquiry, whilst not 'in
charge', I had been involved in every facet.
There was a suggestion the then head of the
Narcotics Department, Detective Inspector Dennis Ramsey, was linked to the
importers. An attempt had been made to arrest the 'network' earlier in the
year (by use of the same informant) but someone tipped the group off. This
time, the informant provided information when Dennis Ramsey was away from the
Island. We were successful in making several arrests, seizing a
substantial quantity of cocaine (by Bermuda's standards) and also some cash.
I was instructed by the then deputy head of
Narcotics, George Jackson, to keep the investigation from Dennis Ramsey.
This I did.
Things were never easy in the Narcotics office
for me. I had the highest arrest record and worked a ridiculous number of
hours each month. My overtime ensured I was paid the equivalent of an
Assistant Commissioner! I had a number of run-ins with officers over petty
jealousies.
On 27th August 1990, I received a call from a
US law enforcement agent, working with the DEA. I was advised Dennis
Ramsey was associated with the importers. I recorded this conversation.
I passed the information to George Jackson and
he requested the original tape. I declined to hand this over but offered a
copy. This was not good enough. The original was required. I
advised having posted it home but only after taking a copy. The matter was
dropped.
I was paraded before the Commissioner of
Police, Clive Donald. Clive accused me of:
- Bucking authority
- Tape recording (attempting to record?) a
(many?) conversation with Dennis Ramsey
As a result, my contract was not to be
renewed; in effect, I was fired as of the end of my contract.
My complaint is very straightforward; Force
Standing Instructions (FSI) state, in brief, any adverse report must be:
- brought to an officers attention
- investigated
- the subject of a hearing (if a prima facie
case exists)
Clive Donald failed to comply with FSI, he is
in breach of FSI.
Whether I am innocent or guilty is immaterial;
FSI exist for a reason and this includes ensuring officers are given the ability
to account for their actions and defend themselves (if appropriate). I was
not afforded this right and this is my complaint.
This is my complaint and
I would suggest it is absolute.
Of course, you have to ask yourself why Clive
Donald would take this course of action. I suggest it is because the
'offences' alleged were trivial (even if committed) but worse still, from the
Clive's perspective; they could not be proved.
The complaint goes much further because for
Clive's actions to be successful and not bring discredit on the service or
ridicule on him personally, he required support. This he received from The
Deputy Governor's Office and George Rose, then Superintendent (Bermuda Police).
Whether you wish to have my complaint in the
back of your mind when you read these pages is a matter for you. I had
some good times in Bermuda and met some great people. Sadly, there were
some fair weather friends and few remain who I would now trust.
I care not whether you read these pages simply
for entertainment. The content is factual and I am hopeful this will bring
some added enjoyment or interest. I do encourage feed-back, I am mindful
of the current problems faced by the Bermuda police service and am pleased to
see some are voicing their concerns. The e-mails I receive are treated in
confidence but to date, everyone has been supportive.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
page. | 
Complaint Precis
