THE EDITOR: It is absolute madness to have enshrined in our law (Police Service Act, Chapter 15:01; section 60) that a police officer can charge a citizen who refuses to help a police officer arrest a perpetrator, when called on to do so.
A maxi-taxi driver felt the full brunt of the law when he failed to do same. He now faces a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for one year. Crazy!
The average citizen is not trained in police work – that's why we pay our taxes towards a service called the TTPS.
What would have happened if that maxi-taxi driver was injured or killed while trying to help the police? Would compensation be paid to his family? Would anyone care?
If a police officer calls on a female citizen to help make an arrest and she refuses, she could suffer the identical fate. This law does not factor in gender or physical considerations.
If Mr Imbert or Mr Sinanan or Dr Moonilal were called to assist in making an arrest and they said, "No," would they also face prosecution?
Civilian assistance to police should be voluntary in any circumstances.
Our legislators should make this a top priority for amendment or to be struck off the lawbooks completely. This should be on the agenda when the parliamentary session starts.
LINUS F DIDIER
Mt Hope
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