( Real News Antigua) As questions continue to be raised about what caused law-
enforcement officers to fatally shoot a 45-year-old father of two in
the back, some residents say the time has come for the Police to be
outfitted with body cameras.
Mannie James was shot on Monday night, July 31, after a chase by
police officers and Defence Force officers ended in the Grays Farm
area.
There have been accusations that James was shot down like a dog
and handled roughly after being wounded. Accordingly, many
people are asking what, in the first place, caused him to run.
The Police are claiming that James’ vehicle had no registration plate
in front and that he sped off after having been directed to stop
during a routine search exercise.
The Police are also alleging that they were fired upon, first, by James
and the other occupants of the vehicle.
In doubting the officers’ version of events, residents are pointing
out that body cams could have shown what truly transpired and
thereby allayed the fears bring expressed by the public.
However, although the Police Force reportedly has received at least
one donation of these cameras, there is no legislation in place to
support the use of this tool.
Hence, an appropriate Bill would have to be taken before the
Parliament, according to Information Minister Melford Nicholas.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Lisborn Michael says he is not
opposed to officers being equipped with body cameras.
Referring to a recent incident involving former MP Dean Jonas – who
was charged in relation to a confrontation with police officers –
Nicholas notes that footage of that altercation, if recorded via a body
camera, is inadmissible as evidence.
That matter is currently before the court.
