PCA probing three incidents of alleged police misconduct

The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has confirmed it has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two of the suspects in the recent Andrea Bharatt kidnapping case.

The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has confirmed it has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two of the suspects in the recent Andrea Bharatt kidnapping case.

According to an official statement released today, the PCA says this is the first of three probes it has launched into recent and serious allegations about police conduct.

And the Authority is urging witnesses or persons with information on the incidents being examined to get in touch and assist with the investigations.

“These investigations are being launched pursuant to Section 26 of the Police Complaints Authority Act Chapter 15:05, the PCA,” the PCA release states.

“We are bound by law to investigate allegations of serious misconduct by staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS),” the Authority reminds the public, noting that it was established by law to give independent civilian oversight to Police conduct.

“All information received is confidential,” the PCA assures.

The first inquiry seeks to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Andrew Morris and Joel Belcon, on the 1st and 8th February 2021, respectively. Both Morris and Belcon had been in police custody for questioning in regard to the kidnapping of Andrea Bharatt, age 23 years, on January 29th, 2021 and her subsequent death.

The PCA’s second probe puts the spotlight on reports of the alleged failure by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to prosecute; tender evidence; and attend court hearing matters.

The third PCA investigation will look at matters related to the arrest of Kerron “Preeze” Clarke at Kathleen Warner Drive, La Horquetta on February 6th, 2021.

The PCA is inviting witnesses to, or persons with information about these incidents to contact them via telephone at 226-4722, or via email at [email protected].