Police Bill 2023 raises red flags & makes way for police abuse of rights
For example, in Section 27-35 that deals with fingerprints, foot impressions and DNA, the Act essentially allows the police to take fingerprints of a person without consent in almost every imaginable circumstance, without a warrant for same. These will be uploaded to a database and will remain on the database for seven years, even if the person is not charged, or has been acquitted or the case discontinued. This, they said, should be alarming for all residents.
Police can search without a warrant
In addition, Section 36 will allow for the police to search persons in their dwellings, without a warrant, if they have reasonable grounds for believing that the person does not live there or does not have permission to be there. It has been argued that this again goes against human rights and the right of privacy.
Section 38 of the proposed Bill will allow a police officer to search the home of someone who is arrested on an arrestable offence without a warrant, even without that person being present. This provision should frighten the public on the face of it, according to one local activist.
A further review of the Bill shows that Section 42 would allow the police to access communications between lawyer and client. It has been long-standing in the international legal community and best practice that legal privilege is a constitutional right enjoyed by every individual and provides that what a client says to a lawyer and what a lawyer says to a client are to remain confidential.
Section 45 allows the Police Commissioner to implement a cordon whenever he/she sees fit, and “knowing our most recent experience with UK Police Chiefs, the public must push back against this,” the same activist noted.
Police can take computer & other property without warrant
Another red flag in the Bill is found in Section 49, which allows the police who are lawfully on the premises of anyone to seize their property without a warrant and require access to their computer without a warrant as is presently required.
Finally, Sections 186-189 alter the right to silence, and allows the court to draw negative inferences from a person exercising their right to silence. Currently, no negative inferences can be drawn from a person wishing to remain silent. Section 186 seeks to change that.
The right to silence is a constitutional right and protects our fundamental rights and freedoms. The social activist noted that constituents should call their House of Assembly (HoA) representatives on their concerns and pay close attention to this Bill.
The Police Act, 2023 had its first reading yesterday, Thursday, February 2, 2023, in the HoA. The Bill is sponsored by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).
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79 Responses to “Police Bill 2023 raises red flags & makes way for police abuse of rights”
2023 slave masters back with search warrants and imprisonment for coloured folks
The only institution the United Kingdom contributes funding towards in this territory is Her Majesty’s Prison
Look and Live
keep the faith
In a dam democracy? What are the exceptions to this rule? can the police remotely access my computer without my knowledge and consent? What happen if you are illegally searched? This is crucial people.
Prove all things holdfast to that which is good (true) that can be proven by genuine evidence, not groundless speculations.
Fear torments the mind of all who have wicked intention against their neighbors.
If we sow seed of love, we will sooner or later reap the fruit of love, believe it or not, receive or not. The choice is ours.
No human live for self alone, after death others are affected.
Don't lose hope.
Blessed day, people of the British Virgin Islands, and others that are living among us, tourist included.
No UK official should be running aka modern-day slavery to the B.V.I. It should always be run and governed by the Citizens of the B.V.I. elected and appointed by the people. Just like they do in most of the world. I vote for the cheif of police AND the governor to be gone and positions to open/available for elections by the people for the people of our beautiful B.V.I.
the idea is have no jury during court trials
Who actually reviewed this Bill?
Who actually approved this Bill?
Who actually revised and penned this Bill?
I don't think they are for the People but power hungry people. Hiw can the AG, the DG, and any high Sitting Judge , Magistrate or Attorney agree and comply with this Bill?
As for the Members of the Cabinet, you are NOT untouchable according to this Bill.
We have No Human Rights to Privacy according to this Bill.
With the type of Officers who have malicious minds and intents, this Bill is giving the green light to violate and discredit a person's life.
If We stand for equality and justice, then the likelihood of this Bill is going to bring out more harm than good. It will not be easy for either Citizens or those who supposedly are here to harrass and bewittled them.
And look at us as a community - NEVER EVER GIVING UP ONE SINGLE MURDERER, PEDOPHILE, THIEF, RAPIST EVER!
Now the police is looking for powers to get around your disgusting secrets and ALL YOU BAWLING ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS!
Like we ever give a second thoughts to human rights here. What about all those children abused by family members that people know but no one steps in to protect them? What about their rights? What about the people born and living here for DECADES and all you don't want to give them any status because they are not considered BVI enough? What about immigrants working as slaves for local 'liberators'? What about sex trafficking under our nose?
What about all you stop this nonsense about rights and race and secret conspiracies against this little family and friend circle you claim you want to make into a NATION to stand on its own against the world like the smallest small fry in the sea. You all are high on your own bull and is we all going to suffer because none of all you can't think straight about any single important issue that we face. 'Rights! Race! Hate them people! Kill them wyts!' etc etc
Nasty set a people now claiming 'human rights'?
Rrrrrright!
This is a racist bill.
Let us throw it in the sea!
Police will abuse the rights and freedoms of the citizen.
Ma** C****s is a racist!
You can't be passing bills just so because racist people forcing it down your throat. We are a peaceful people
and most people who come here do not understand our culture. For the love of God, do the right thing and
protect us. Throw this bill out.