So you heard in that story how the commissioner was saying he has to be judicious in the exercise of his judgement about punishing police.
But, we wondered, is he being too permissive when he allowed one of his officers - who has a criminal charge pending against him - to go for an interview for promotion?
Inspector Christopher Martinez is accused of wounding a detainee right inside the Ladyville police station. He allegedly strode into the station and beat Aaron Flowers with a padlock from the cell area.
That happened in 2023 and the matter is currently before the court. But last week we learned that despite this pending trial - Martinez was approved for a promotions interview - to go up to the rank of ASP. The interview was scheduled for last week Thursday.
This is factual and in black and white, but when we asked the Compol about it - he said…..well we'll let him speak for himself.
Jules Vasquez
"Isn't it true that you play favorites sometimes? For example, the police officer who was accused and may plead guilty of going into a cell and beating up a prisoner who was detained because of a personal grievance he had against him. That he's up for promotion to inspector? Am I correct?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Where you get that from?"
Jules Vasquez
"That's what I heard. I am just asking you."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"This is the thing Jules. You have to learn to stop digest faeces. Please stop."
Jules Vasquez
"Well I am asking you, I am not reporting it."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"The rules are that if you are not convicted of an offense within 12 months, you can appear before the promotion board. So even if he were to pass the board interview because he have a matter pending, he would not be promoted because you would have to allow that matter before the court to be concluded."
"And if you're not convicted, then you can be considered for promotion. If you're convicted, then you're not going to be promoted. So it's not a matter of playing no favorites. The only time I play a favorite is when it comes to the media because if I have a press brief, KREM is not there, LOVE is not there, Five is not there and you are there I will proceed. But if they are there and you are not there I will wait for you."
We'll keep following it to see if that promotion goes through.
