7 News Belize

Top Cop Answers For The Case of Chester and The Castro Boys
posted (June 23, 2017)
That handing-over session from this morning allowed the media to grill Police Commissioner Allen Whylie about the many police incidents making news in the past 2 weeks.

First on the list was the case of the UDP Minister Edmond Castro's sons, and how the police resolved it.

The Castro boys were allegedly caught driving without licenses, and they allegedly assaulted the police. That allegedly led to them being beaten by police, and both the Southside Police Commander and their defense attorney assert that they settled the incident with the understanding that the boys would go free without any charge, and that they wouldn't press charges against the officers who allegedly abused them.

It's being touted as an amicable resolution, but it seems to go against an internal memo sent by the Commissioner in January directing there should be no kind of negotiation for criminal wrongdoing. It's dated January 6, 2017, and Commissioner Whylie writes to all commanders, saying, quote, "With immediate effect, all persons are to be charged once a crime has been committed and there is evidence to support the charge. In no circumstances, should any deal be made with criminal elements found committing or having committed a crime. In essence, no negotiation" End quote.

So, is the Commissioner satisfied that Southside Commander Chester Williams, and the officers involved complied with his directive? Here's how he responded to that today:

Reporter
"When you look at the internal memorandum that was sent - from your desk in January, saying that there should be no negotiations. Once a crime is committed charges ought to be filed."

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"Yes I understand that. I have been briefed by the commander and I will say that he has said what occurred and the reasons why he took the actions he did and I will say that I support him in terms of the actions that he took."

Reporter
"Didn't you question the way things evolve, the way things took place? I mean, I understand he is a commander and you have to have confidence in him as a commander, because you place him there, but they do falter at times as well. Has it not perhaps occurred to you or perhaps that he probably did something wrong or went against procedures?"

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"No. as I said he briefed me in terms of what occurred based on his review and follow up with the various individuals and I am satisfied in terms of the decision he took and I consider the matter close. I support him."

Reporter
"Specifically this report we have copies of it. It's in the criminal information management system which is what the police use to make police reports. Mr. Williams - his position is that that doesn't exist. This complaint from your officers against Mr. Jafari does not exist. As far as you are concern does it exist?"

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"As I said the matter has been discussed, Mr. Williams has said what he has said, the media has said what they have said and as I indicate I am satisfied in terms of the decisions he took and I can consider that matter closed. I won't comment further on that."

Reporter
"Did you at least speak to PC Coc or PC Caliz who were actually the officers involved in this situation to get a thorough...?"

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"I said I will not comment any further on that. I am satisfied in terms of the action taken."

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize