So, after all that it's time for sober reflection - once again - on the role the BDF plays on joint patrols in civilian areas.
As we know, the BDF's training is a lot different than the police's. They are trained to be out in the jungles, protecting our borders. The situations they face may be a lot more intense than what an officer may face day to day. So when you take a soldier from the jungle and put him on the streets of a quaint village, this can have a disastrous outcome, as seen on Sunday night. And the commissioner agrees that BDF shouldn't be on patrols with police in most instances.
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police "Well we expect that when ever we have a joint patrol with police and BDF if it is within the urban area and rural settings of the country, the police is in charge and the police is to ensure that they guide the BDF in terms of how they are to engage the public. Now as it relates to police BDF patrol along the border areas, then the BDF is in charge and the rules of engagement is somewhat different. I am not too familiar with the BDF rules of engagement but I believe they may be a need for some reform to ensure that the BDF rules of engagement in the rural or urban setting is not the same as the border areas because we cannot be at war with our own people, so it is something I'm sure that is going to looked at to see what can be done to ensure that this does not occur."
Jules Vasquez "But should the BDF remain on patrol with the police in these population centers?"
Chester Williams "No, I don't think so, no."
