Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce’s recent comments supporting independent investigation of complaints against the police mark a commendable moment in the evolution of The Barbados Police Service (BPS).
His willingness to embrace outside scrutiny is a great signal that the service recognises the importance of transparency in maintaining the trust of the public it serves.
Speaking at a press briefing this week, Boyce said he had “no problem” with independent investigators looking into allegations of police misconduct. Coming from a senior officer who has served in the Criminal Investigations Department and who presently oversees disciplinary matters also adds credibility. Most importantly, it reflects a mature understanding of modern policing where accountability is seen as a necessary foundation for building and securing public confidence.
His comments come at a significant juncture as Attorney General Dale Marshall has announced plans to strengthen the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) through new legislation designed to increase its powers and modernise how complaints against police are handled.
The review, he explained, will look to models in other parts of the region, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, to determine how best to increase oversight while preserving fairness.
Established in 2006, the complaints body has been a bridge between citizens and the police, but after nearly two decades, the structure needs renewal. The need for an overhaul has become more apparent in light of recent incidents that have generated public concern, including the fatal shooting of Stefan Akobi Branch in Cave Hill last month. That tragic event, and the questions it raised among residents, underline why transparent and independent investigations are essential.
Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, who was acting as attorney general at the time, promised a thorough and transparent investigation into Branch’s death. His assurances, and Boyce’s subsequent comments, suggest a clear understanding at the top that public confidence cannot be taken for granted.
Acting Commissioner Boyce’s position therefore deserves to be commended. It is not easy for any institution to open itself to external review, particularly one like the police service. Boyce’s stance reflects a modern view of policing. When the public is assured that complaints are handled independently and fairly, law enforcement benefits and public satisfaction improves.
A properly resourced Police Complaints Authority would benefit the police too. Officers who act with professionalism and integrity deserve to have their reputations protected from false allegations or exaggerated claims and one-sided attacks on their credibility.
For the public, a strong, independent oversight body encourages confidence in the system and reduces the temptation to assume that police will protect their own. It helps to show that not even police officers are above the law.
However, it is not enough merely to promise change. Independence must be real. The PCA needs the legal authority, financial resources, and personnel to carry out its work effectively. It must also have clear protocols for how it interacts with the police and the Office of Professional Responsibility to prevent confusion.
At the same time, we must acknowledge the immense pressure facing The Barbados Police Service as it grapples with rising levels of violent crime. Officers are being asked to do more, often with limited resources, and the demands on their professionalism are becoming heavier.
The effort to improve accountability should therefore be matched by measures to support the men and women of the BPS through better and consistent training.
The Barbados Police Service has long been regarded as one of the most capable forces in the region. Its commitment to duty has not wavered, even in the face of a deteriorating crime situation and other challenges with resources.
Acting Commissioner Boyce’s comments this week show that the service also understands that integrity and accountability are among its most valuable assets. By welcoming independent oversight, he has taken a significant step towards reinforcing both.
His declaration — “I know what police accountability is all about. So, I don’t have a problem with that because whatever is unearthed has to be consistent with what the law requires and what the regulations require” — is exactly the kind of foundational position on which public confidence rests.
If properly executed, the reform of the Police Complaints Authority can mark a turning point for policing in the island, and a step towards deeper public trust, fairer investigations, and a stronger partnership between the police and the people they serve.
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