I was working at the Biabou Police Station, when, Station Sergeant (SS) Cuthbert Straker was transferred to the Biabou Police Station. The year was 2003; The authorities fed SS Straker with many misleading information about me. They were still trying to force me out of the organization.
They were hoping, SS Straker add to the mountains of mis...s deeds and miss Fortunes I had experience so far. But I overcame each challenge and each dangerous situation that was put in front of me. The authorities were hoping the SS and I butt heads and he created an unpleasant place for me, at the Biabou Police Station.
One day, After the stand-offish SS Straker, warmer up to me, he declared, in a heavy, slow, lamenting, voice, as he sounded out each word, for two seconds of more depending on the amount of syllables the word had, SS said: "Palmer; you are nothing, like what them say you are like." He stressed each word for emphasis. He paused for a few seconds, then in quick time, as if he was in a rush, he bloated out; "them say you hard to get along with." Then back to his slow speech, "you are one of the easiest man to work with. You are not lazy and yo know yo job. Palmer you are a good police, but if you follow my instructions you will be an excellent police." He said. I gather from the Station Sergeant’s statement that meant; he was going to teach me what I needed to know, to be an efficient and effective police officer, anywhere I work. The SS was right. Under SS Straker, supervision and tutelage, I became an excellent police and my Bermuda experience was a testament to that fact.
SS Straker quickly learned, I like to work alone, he also realized; when I worked alone; I got all of my and general assignments completed. Liquor license check, investigation, arrest of the wanted; those who had committed offence, arrest on warrant executions. I never had an outstanding case file and every Thursday at the Biabou Magestrate Court day, I had two, three or four case in Biabou Magistrate Court and up to that point, I had only one case dismissed.
Superintendent Cornelius Charles on the other hand, hated SS Straker; he often tried to embarrass the SS in the presence of the staff. He did so on each visit to the station. Why he put so much effort in belittle the knowledgeable supervisor, I did not know. Sensing I was doing a large volume of the work at the station, which was reflected by the records. The Superintendent, also tried to use me to belittle the SS. He often said things like: "the commission should send you home and let Palmer run the station, Palmer will do a better job than you." SOP Charles rhetoric had an objective, and his objectives had nothing good about it.
The SOP realized, all aspects of my policing had developed and he suspected; SS Straker was responsible for my quick and sustained development. SS Straker did not only teach me, he also gave me the opportunity and the space to grow. He continued to give me more and more responsibility; and I loved it. When the Station Sergeant was dissatisfied with something I did. He broke out his favorite line, Palm-mer," he will say in a slow lamenting tone, “You are one good police, but If you listen to me, you will become an excellent police; but you didn't listen.
This was often an opportunity for further teaching and clarification on some issue of law, police policies and or procedures; a weakness in a case file, etc. I was developing and I was developing fast and I was getting things done. I never took the Superintendent's words seriously, and each time he tried to use me to belittle SS Cuthbert Straker; I brought it to SS Straker's attention, in the presence of the other staff member. I let them know what was SOP Charles objective; which was trying to stir up disunity, between the helpful SS Straker and I. I let everyone including the Station Seargeant know, how much I appriciate his teaching and confidence in me.
Station Sergeant Straker; ran a clerically tight ship, all his records were always in order. However; there was an outstanding warrant, for none payment of fine. Each time SOP Charles came to visit the station, he spoke of the outstanding warrant. He also accused the staff of being afraid of the man, for whom the warrant was issued; hence the reason, the warrant was not yet executed. I did not know this man, as a matter of fact, I was from Bottom Town, I am not afraid of anyone, was my attitude. I hated it when he accused the staff me of being afraid, of the wanted man. I could not speak for the other members of the staff, but my solo arrest record would say I am no coward.
When I was assigned to the Biabou Police Station, only a week into my transfer to Biabou Police Station, I made my first arrest in Biabou completing and submitting my case file within a week. I was out on country patrol and Investigation, in Simon AKA New Prospect, there was a fellow, I wanted, for a case I was investigating. A Cutlass (machete) bearing man was pointed out to me, as the man I was inquiring about. The suspect was wanted for praedial larceny/threft (the theft of agriculture product) one of the matters I was Investigating. This man had to be arrested. It was my case file and therefore it was my responsibility.
This was so because; I could not depend on the other constables at the station for help, the senior constable was always drunk, the tow of the other three younger, and junior constables, who was from the area, want to prove, they knew more than I did. And therefore, they refused to help and or corporate with me in any way; While, the other became a police officer, in transit, to his papers for his green card being approved. They all were always in trouble for not submitting their casefiles in the requiered times.
When I asked the constables about the suspect, they said they did not know him. Even though, they knew the fellow, they all knew how he looked, they knew where his parents lived, where he slept, where he frequent, etc. yet they refused to assist me, with the needed information; information the y had.
This man had to be arrested, and it was my responsibili to effect the arrest. As a result, I approached, disarmed and I arrest the suspect. I was on foot patrol therefore; I walked with my prisoner, from Simon/New Prospect big corner, to Bridgetown, where the Biabou Police Station was located at that time. I was not afraid of anyone, anything and or any situation, except.....
SS Straker, understood how I worked best, he knew I loved to worked alone; as a result, when there was real pressing work to be done, it was normal, for him to assigned me on Investigation and to do whatever was needed to be accomplished. On this day he assigned me on Investigation and he said to me, "Palmer; we have to arrest that man with the warrant to shut the office mouth. That is the only thing he can speak about when he visit the station". SS Straker said if we get that man, all he can do when he comes to visit the Station, is to sign the records and go on his way.
The SS was new to the district and he did not know anything about the man to whom the outstanding warrant issued for and neither did I. Therefore, I took out a few warrants included the outstanding warrant. The man was living, on the south eastern corner of the Lowman Windward Bridge, opposite the old Banana boxing plant. On several occasions Sgt. Francis received information that the wanted man was on the Lowman Windward Bridge with his friends. Each time we arrived there; he was no where to be seen.
However, today; I was going to take this a little further. Because the houses/building in St. Vincent and the Grenadine are not number, it is difficult to know who live where. I drove on to the Lowmans Windward Bridge, there was a group of young men hanging out on the bridge chatting, which is very common.
I asked the guys on the bridge where the wanted man lived. I was shocked when without hesitation; they volunteered the information to me. Up until the time, the guys give me the information, I did not know where the subject lived. At first, I was apprehensive about the information. If they were right why would they volunteer the information to the police so freely and so easily; as far as I understood the guys were all friends.
The guys on the block were all excited, as I left them and I drove over to the house. I got out of the marked police vehicle, walked up to the two story house and I knocked on the wooden panel door that secured the northern side of the house. A young man came to the door of the house, I asked him if he was the name that appeared on the warrant, he replied yes.
With the young man's answer, immidiately; a lot of thing fell into place. Now I understood why the young men on the bridge so quickly volunteered the information, I also understood, why the three police officer, who lived in the area, never attempted to arrest this young man. Now it was totally clear to me; what the Superintendent of Police Cornelius Charles meant; when he say: "you all are afraid of the man; that is why he has not been arrested."
The guys on the bridge knew there was an outstanding warrant for their friend, but no police have ever attempted to arrest him. They also thought the confrontation between both of us, would have been an interesting and funny one to witness, and they wanted to witness it.
When the young man who stood before me said, I am him, I took one look at the young man and I said to myself; what did I get myself into. I was a skinny, 175 pounds police officer; 180 pounds when I was wet, 5 feet 11 inches tall law enforcement officer. The man that stood before looked about 6 feet 5-6 inches tall, and about 350 pound of solid mass. There were only three other people that could be compared with this young man and they were my cousins Coldrick Young, his little brother Elroy Young and Arthur Puss and I was always on these guys good side.
My feet were already in the shit, and the stink was burning my nose. There was nothing else I could done but to deal with the situation I was now in. I could hear the muffled laughter of the guys on the bridge, as they looked on in amusement as the confrontation unfolds, right before them. It must have been funny, looking at me, as I looked up to the giant to speak to him. I knew, I could not back down, if I did, I would not be able to face myself or any of the people who witness the confirmation. I need to be able to serve the community without such a blotch of cowardice hanging over my head.
In analyzing the man, his height, his size, his possible strength, I know I could not match strength with this man, but I was faster than he could ever be. If this matter broke out into a fight; it will serve me good not to make these giant lay hold on me. In speaking to this man, it was extremely important that I was careful not let my voice or my words betray the anticipation I felt, "Hay na big man”, I addressed the man; not because he was big but because I always address every male suspect as big man.
Everyone; like to know and be called the “Big Man” “I have a warrant for none payment of fine for you, this warrant was outstanding, you have one of two choices. You can pay the outstanding monies you have for the court or I will have to arrest you!” The Guy looked quite shocked at my lack of fear and the irreverence showed for his size, but the level of respect I also give to him as a fellow citizen.
The young man was bear back and standing on the inside of the house with the door partly ajar. The young man was not a full muscular specimen, but he was not a fat fellow either. He was a farmer by profession and therefore, the young farmer had a firm body, one of a person who worked hard and long hours, chopping, digging, lifting, etc. The giant looked at me, and I looked at him. It seems like it is going to be a stan
Then he replied, to my ultimatum, I guess you will have to arrest me. I said to myself; here we go again? Although they could not hear the conversation, I was having with the wanted giant; I could still hear the muffled laughter coming from the group on the bridge. Then the young man spoke again, breaking the short moment of awkward silence we had, he said just give me a moment to put on a shirt and a shoe. I told the man it was not a problem.
He left the door slightly ajar, The young Giant then disappeared from the place where he stood, while we chat. Then he soon reappeared fully clad. He locked the door to the house, held up his two hands to me, with his inner wrist to inner wrist so I can cuffed him. I said to the young man, I don't think there is need for that. I said go around and sit in the front seat of the vehicle; which he did.
All it took for him to avoid the police was for him, to shut the door, leaving me outside, and go and watch TV. However; he corporated with me every step of the process, he was not in the least display any rudness or disrespect of me, my office or my intent and declaration to arrested him. I thought it was only fitting that I saved him any further humiliation.
I drove a little faster than I would normally drive got the giant to the station where he was processed. Needless to say Station Sergeant Straker was happy and surprised. SS Straker said "but Palmer Me na know that man was so big, how you manage to arrest he by yourself?" See More
They were hoping, SS Straker add to the mountains of mis...s deeds and miss Fortunes I had experience so far. But I overcame each challenge and each dangerous situation that was put in front of me. The authorities were hoping the SS and I butt heads and he created an unpleasant place for me, at the Biabou Police Station.
One day, After the stand-offish SS Straker, warmer up to me, he declared, in a heavy, slow, lamenting, voice, as he sounded out each word, for two seconds of more depending on the amount of syllables the word had, SS said: "Palmer; you are nothing, like what them say you are like." He stressed each word for emphasis. He paused for a few seconds, then in quick time, as if he was in a rush, he bloated out; "them say you hard to get along with." Then back to his slow speech, "you are one of the easiest man to work with. You are not lazy and yo know yo job. Palmer you are a good police, but if you follow my instructions you will be an excellent police." He said. I gather from the Station Sergeant’s statement that meant; he was going to teach me what I needed to know, to be an efficient and effective police officer, anywhere I work. The SS was right. Under SS Straker, supervision and tutelage, I became an excellent police and my Bermuda experience was a testament to that fact.
SS Straker quickly learned, I like to work alone, he also realized; when I worked alone; I got all of my and general assignments completed. Liquor license check, investigation, arrest of the wanted; those who had committed offence, arrest on warrant executions. I never had an outstanding case file and every Thursday at the Biabou Magestrate Court day, I had two, three or four case in Biabou Magistrate Court and up to that point, I had only one case dismissed.
Superintendent Cornelius Charles on the other hand, hated SS Straker; he often tried to embarrass the SS in the presence of the staff. He did so on each visit to the station. Why he put so much effort in belittle the knowledgeable supervisor, I did not know. Sensing I was doing a large volume of the work at the station, which was reflected by the records. The Superintendent, also tried to use me to belittle the SS. He often said things like: "the commission should send you home and let Palmer run the station, Palmer will do a better job than you." SOP Charles rhetoric had an objective, and his objectives had nothing good about it.
The SOP realized, all aspects of my policing had developed and he suspected; SS Straker was responsible for my quick and sustained development. SS Straker did not only teach me, he also gave me the opportunity and the space to grow. He continued to give me more and more responsibility; and I loved it. When the Station Sergeant was dissatisfied with something I did. He broke out his favorite line, Palm-mer," he will say in a slow lamenting tone, “You are one good police, but If you listen to me, you will become an excellent police; but you didn't listen.
This was often an opportunity for further teaching and clarification on some issue of law, police policies and or procedures; a weakness in a case file, etc. I was developing and I was developing fast and I was getting things done. I never took the Superintendent's words seriously, and each time he tried to use me to belittle SS Cuthbert Straker; I brought it to SS Straker's attention, in the presence of the other staff member. I let them know what was SOP Charles objective; which was trying to stir up disunity, between the helpful SS Straker and I. I let everyone including the Station Seargeant know, how much I appriciate his teaching and confidence in me.
Station Sergeant Straker; ran a clerically tight ship, all his records were always in order. However; there was an outstanding warrant, for none payment of fine. Each time SOP Charles came to visit the station, he spoke of the outstanding warrant. He also accused the staff of being afraid of the man, for whom the warrant was issued; hence the reason, the warrant was not yet executed. I did not know this man, as a matter of fact, I was from Bottom Town, I am not afraid of anyone, was my attitude. I hated it when he accused the staff me of being afraid, of the wanted man. I could not speak for the other members of the staff, but my solo arrest record would say I am no coward.
When I was assigned to the Biabou Police Station, only a week into my transfer to Biabou Police Station, I made my first arrest in Biabou completing and submitting my case file within a week. I was out on country patrol and Investigation, in Simon AKA New Prospect, there was a fellow, I wanted, for a case I was investigating. A Cutlass (machete) bearing man was pointed out to me, as the man I was inquiring about. The suspect was wanted for praedial larceny/threft (the theft of agriculture product) one of the matters I was Investigating. This man had to be arrested. It was my case file and therefore it was my responsibility.
This was so because; I could not depend on the other constables at the station for help, the senior constable was always drunk, the tow of the other three younger, and junior constables, who was from the area, want to prove, they knew more than I did. And therefore, they refused to help and or corporate with me in any way; While, the other became a police officer, in transit, to his papers for his green card being approved. They all were always in trouble for not submitting their casefiles in the requiered times.
When I asked the constables about the suspect, they said they did not know him. Even though, they knew the fellow, they all knew how he looked, they knew where his parents lived, where he slept, where he frequent, etc. yet they refused to assist me, with the needed information; information the y had.
This man had to be arrested, and it was my responsibili to effect the arrest. As a result, I approached, disarmed and I arrest the suspect. I was on foot patrol therefore; I walked with my prisoner, from Simon/New Prospect big corner, to Bridgetown, where the Biabou Police Station was located at that time. I was not afraid of anyone, anything and or any situation, except.....
SS Straker, understood how I worked best, he knew I loved to worked alone; as a result, when there was real pressing work to be done, it was normal, for him to assigned me on Investigation and to do whatever was needed to be accomplished. On this day he assigned me on Investigation and he said to me, "Palmer; we have to arrest that man with the warrant to shut the office mouth. That is the only thing he can speak about when he visit the station". SS Straker said if we get that man, all he can do when he comes to visit the Station, is to sign the records and go on his way.
The SS was new to the district and he did not know anything about the man to whom the outstanding warrant issued for and neither did I. Therefore, I took out a few warrants included the outstanding warrant. The man was living, on the south eastern corner of the Lowman Windward Bridge, opposite the old Banana boxing plant. On several occasions Sgt. Francis received information that the wanted man was on the Lowman Windward Bridge with his friends. Each time we arrived there; he was no where to be seen.
However, today; I was going to take this a little further. Because the houses/building in St. Vincent and the Grenadine are not number, it is difficult to know who live where. I drove on to the Lowmans Windward Bridge, there was a group of young men hanging out on the bridge chatting, which is very common.
I asked the guys on the bridge where the wanted man lived. I was shocked when without hesitation; they volunteered the information to me. Up until the time, the guys give me the information, I did not know where the subject lived. At first, I was apprehensive about the information. If they were right why would they volunteer the information to the police so freely and so easily; as far as I understood the guys were all friends.
The guys on the block were all excited, as I left them and I drove over to the house. I got out of the marked police vehicle, walked up to the two story house and I knocked on the wooden panel door that secured the northern side of the house. A young man came to the door of the house, I asked him if he was the name that appeared on the warrant, he replied yes.
With the young man's answer, immidiately; a lot of thing fell into place. Now I understood why the young men on the bridge so quickly volunteered the information, I also understood, why the three police officer, who lived in the area, never attempted to arrest this young man. Now it was totally clear to me; what the Superintendent of Police Cornelius Charles meant; when he say: "you all are afraid of the man; that is why he has not been arrested."
The guys on the bridge knew there was an outstanding warrant for their friend, but no police have ever attempted to arrest him. They also thought the confrontation between both of us, would have been an interesting and funny one to witness, and they wanted to witness it.
When the young man who stood before me said, I am him, I took one look at the young man and I said to myself; what did I get myself into. I was a skinny, 175 pounds police officer; 180 pounds when I was wet, 5 feet 11 inches tall law enforcement officer. The man that stood before looked about 6 feet 5-6 inches tall, and about 350 pound of solid mass. There were only three other people that could be compared with this young man and they were my cousins Coldrick Young, his little brother Elroy Young and Arthur Puss and I was always on these guys good side.
My feet were already in the shit, and the stink was burning my nose. There was nothing else I could done but to deal with the situation I was now in. I could hear the muffled laughter of the guys on the bridge, as they looked on in amusement as the confrontation unfolds, right before them. It must have been funny, looking at me, as I looked up to the giant to speak to him. I knew, I could not back down, if I did, I would not be able to face myself or any of the people who witness the confirmation. I need to be able to serve the community without such a blotch of cowardice hanging over my head.
In analyzing the man, his height, his size, his possible strength, I know I could not match strength with this man, but I was faster than he could ever be. If this matter broke out into a fight; it will serve me good not to make these giant lay hold on me. In speaking to this man, it was extremely important that I was careful not let my voice or my words betray the anticipation I felt, "Hay na big man”, I addressed the man; not because he was big but because I always address every male suspect as big man.
Everyone; like to know and be called the “Big Man” “I have a warrant for none payment of fine for you, this warrant was outstanding, you have one of two choices. You can pay the outstanding monies you have for the court or I will have to arrest you!” The Guy looked quite shocked at my lack of fear and the irreverence showed for his size, but the level of respect I also give to him as a fellow citizen.
The young man was bear back and standing on the inside of the house with the door partly ajar. The young man was not a full muscular specimen, but he was not a fat fellow either. He was a farmer by profession and therefore, the young farmer had a firm body, one of a person who worked hard and long hours, chopping, digging, lifting, etc. The giant looked at me, and I looked at him. It seems like it is going to be a stan
Then he replied, to my ultimatum, I guess you will have to arrest me. I said to myself; here we go again? Although they could not hear the conversation, I was having with the wanted giant; I could still hear the muffled laughter coming from the group on the bridge. Then the young man spoke again, breaking the short moment of awkward silence we had, he said just give me a moment to put on a shirt and a shoe. I told the man it was not a problem.
He left the door slightly ajar, The young Giant then disappeared from the place where he stood, while we chat. Then he soon reappeared fully clad. He locked the door to the house, held up his two hands to me, with his inner wrist to inner wrist so I can cuffed him. I said to the young man, I don't think there is need for that. I said go around and sit in the front seat of the vehicle; which he did.
All it took for him to avoid the police was for him, to shut the door, leaving me outside, and go and watch TV. However; he corporated with me every step of the process, he was not in the least display any rudness or disrespect of me, my office or my intent and declaration to arrested him. I thought it was only fitting that I saved him any further humiliation.
I drove a little faster than I would normally drive got the giant to the station where he was processed. Needless to say Station Sergeant Straker was happy and surprised. SS Straker said "but Palmer Me na know that man was so big, how you manage to arrest he by yourself?" See More
No comments:
Post a Comment