Detainee accuses cops of corruption, abuse

BLACK RIVER:

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE Sharon George has ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse as well as negligence on the part of police officers at the Black River lock-up.

She ordered the police officer in charge of the Black River lock-up to conduct a thorough investigation into negligence on the part of the police officers at the station, the allegation of the lawmen being involved in drugs and the alleged beating of the accused man by some police officers.

The magistrate made the order when Michael Mullings, 20, of Woodland district, St. Elizabeth appeared before her in the Black River RM Court on Wednesday. Mullings was remanded in custody.

Mullings, who is held for illegal possession of a firearm and shooting with intent, has been in the lock-up since he was arrested by the Black River police. However, when he was being transported to court a parcel with ganja was found on him. He told the court that he found the substance in the police vehicle.

While being questioned by Resident Magistrate Sharon George, he told the court that he was badly beaten up by some of the policemen at the Black River station and that the lawmen were involved in corruption including drug trafficking.

Resident Magistrate George was particularly outraged at the fact that an individual had been in the lock-up for a period of time only to be told that a fresh charge was pressed against him for possession of ganja. "How could he get it?" she asked.

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