Dear Editor,
My biological son Keino Thompson, age 17 yrs was arrested for robbery under arms on the December,1 2009. He was 16 years old. However, he was subsequently placed the said evening at Central Police Station, New Amsterdam lock-ups and was severely beaten by three identified police officers, resulting in marks of violence on his back, ribs and hands.
After complaints were made against the said police officers two additional robbery charges were made against him, while placed in the said lock-ups. Keino Thompson also indicated that at the time of his arrest, he had in his possession the sum of ($18,000) from his daily sales and outstanding monies owed to him and only the sum of ($2000) was lodged in his presence. To date, I have not been in receipt of same. However, I was told by Mr. Trotman (CID) that the magistrate would have to indicate the return of funds before monies are handed over to him.
While Keino was still in police custody, I was reliably informed that police officers took my son to the N/A Hospital to seek medical attention. According to him, he was not allowed to be properly examined by the doctor because of the constant harassment he endured from police officers.
After being told of the incident, I visited the said police station the following day and made enquiries. I was then told that I was not allowed to speak nor visit him while he was in police custody. Meanwhile, efforts to contact the relevant authorities proved futile. It must be noted that during my visit to the N/A Police Station the police officers were very unapproachable, hostile and reluctant to speak in relation to the physical abuse perpetrated by police officers on my son.
Fortunately, I spoke with both the Commander and Deputy Commander ‘B’ Division, who referred me to Mr. Trotman of CID in relation to the said incident. I was then told that investigations are being conducted.
On my third visit, while my son was still in custody, I visited the said Crime Chief again in relation to the robbery charges made against my son Keino which I believe are wrong. I was then told by the said Mr. Trotman that I should not visit his office since I would not be entertained by him. During which time, I sought the intervention of the Probation & Social Services Department, Region 6, which responded promptly to my plight and dilemma. A Probation & Social Services Officer along with three Child Protection Officers and I visited the said day and spoke with Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Mc Allister who intervened and ensured that my son had a bath after approximately nine days and Mr. Albert, Inspector, further indicated to the junior police officers that upon my visit, meals should be given to Keino as instructed by the Commander, ‘B’ Division.
On March 16, 2010, Keino went to the New Amsterdam Market to purchase items. Unfortunately, he was seen riding a pedal bicycle and was again arrested and placed at Central Police Station, New Amsterdam for the incident but was booked for robbery again.
I subsequently approached L/CPL Debbie Leitch, on the morning of March 18, 2010 requesting her permission to speak with my son who was placed in the lock-ups on March 16, 2010. I was then told by her that, “your son is 17 years of age and is no longer a juvenile and you being his biological mother is not authorized to speak with him.”
Subsequent efforts were made by me to speak with Mr. Trotman as instructed by Mr. Johnson, Deputy Commander to no avail.
Thus, I am of the humble opinion that my son is being targeted, singled-out, discriminated against and labelled by police officers attached to the said police station.
I therefore request the relevant authorities to kindly investigate this matter expeditiously so as to avoid undue charges since this trend tends to damage the image of my son, Keino Thompson.
Yours faithfully,
Doris Sharper
Single parent
Editor’s note: A copy of this letter is being sent to the
Police Commissioner for any comment he may wish to
make.
