THE Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has recommended that criminal and disciplinary charges be laid against a police sergeant who used a fire hose on protesting residents of Sixth Company, New Grant earlier this year. Photo: Trinidad Express

The incident in January was recorded on a cell phone camera.The fiery road protests that led to the arrest of several residents and the intervention of area politicians.

Political leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), David Abdulah called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to immediately initiate the process to charge the officer with assault against four residents.

Speaking during a visit to the village on Sunday, Abdulah report was made to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), and the Authority has written the DPP on the matter.

He said, “The PCA in a letter said they assessed the evidence and formed the opinion that the assault occurred. They are saying that the DPP should institute criminal proceedings for the offence of assault against (the officer).”

“The PCA said there was a breach of regulations 152 A (discreditable conduct) and 152 H (unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority),” Abdulah said.

He says before the Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams goes on pre-retirement, he should institute disciplinary action against the sergeant.

In light of the crime action plan that was launched last week, Abdulah said, “If no action is taken against (the officer) then it would be just another demonstration that this crime plan is so much ‘old talk’ and a waste of time”.

Abdulah said that if the Police Commissioner wanted trust between citizens and the police, but that can only happen if action is taken against rogue officers.

This week he plans to follow up on the matter with the DPP.