If you read the papers or watch tv you will see there is a increase of claims of people being abused by police officers. People if you are taken advantage of, abused, threatened or feel fearful please make a formal complaint about the incident to the Police Complaints Department in Trinidad and Tobago
Should I make a Complaint?
If you think that a police officer has behaved inappropriately or unfairly, then you have the right to make a complaint.
First, decide what you think the police officer or officers did wrong. For example, were they rude to you? Did they use excessive force? Were you unlawfully arrested? Were your rights abused? In these or other circumstances you are entitled to complain. Unless there are exceptional circumstances you should make your complaint within 12 months of the alleged incident.
What should my complaint say?
Here is a checklist of things that should be in your complaint:
* The name and rank of the officer or officers/number of vehicle etc.
* The name of the station to which the officer is assigned for duty (if known)
* What happened (the incident)
* When it happened (date and time)
* Where it happened (place)
* What was done (after the incident)
* What was said
* Whether there were any witnesses, other than yourself and the officer(s)
* Where the witnesses can be contacted (address and phone number)
* What proof exists of any damage or injury (medical report, photographs)
* Where the person complains about battery (beating), a report should also be made at a police station and a medical examination done by a duly qualified and registered medical practitioner as soon as possible (preferably within 48 hours of the incident)
How do I make a complaint?
* Visit the Police Complaints Authority office at #46 Park Street, Port of Spain to make your complaint in person to an Investigations Officer: or
* Go into any police station where a form can be collected on which you will write full details of the incident. Please ensure that you receive a copy of your complaint.
* You may also contact your Attorney-at=Law or Member of Parliament if it concerns possible legal/community problems.
Should I make a Complaint?
If you think that a police officer has behaved inappropriately or unfairly, then you have the right to make a complaint.
First, decide what you think the police officer or officers did wrong. For example, were they rude to you? Did they use excessive force? Were you unlawfully arrested? Were your rights abused? In these or other circumstances you are entitled to complain. Unless there are exceptional circumstances you should make your complaint within 12 months of the alleged incident.
What should my complaint say?
Here is a checklist of things that should be in your complaint:
* The name and rank of the officer or officers/number of vehicle etc.
* The name of the station to which the officer is assigned for duty (if known)
* What happened (the incident)
* When it happened (date and time)
* Where it happened (place)
* What was done (after the incident)
* What was said
* Whether there were any witnesses, other than yourself and the officer(s)
* Where the witnesses can be contacted (address and phone number)
* What proof exists of any damage or injury (medical report, photographs)
* Where the person complains about battery (beating), a report should also be made at a police station and a medical examination done by a duly qualified and registered medical practitioner as soon as possible (preferably within 48 hours of the incident)
How do I make a complaint?
* Visit the Police Complaints Authority office at #46 Park Street, Port of Spain to make your complaint in person to an Investigations Officer: or
* Go into any police station where a form can be collected on which you will write full details of the incident. Please ensure that you receive a copy of your complaint.
* You may also contact your Attorney-at=Law or Member of Parliament if it concerns possible legal/community problems.
