Police SOPs to be reviewed
-Benn says during visit to Orin Boston’s family
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn has promised the family of Essequibo businessman, Orin Boston that all efforts will be made to ensure his death is “thoroughly” investigated and he also said there will be a review of the Guyana Police Force’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“Minister Benn assured the family and relatives of Mr. Boston that all efforts will be made to ensure this tragedy is thoroughly investigated,” the police said in a statement last night.
Benn gave the assurance yesterday during a visit to the family’s Dartmouth home. He was accompanied by a team of senior officials from Region Two.
Boston, 29, of Hoppie Street, Dartmouth was shot and killed last Wednesday during what was said to be an anti-crime operation.
The police in a statement had said that ranks were conducting the operation at around 4.40 am during which they went to the home of Boston to conduct a search.
During the search, the police said that there was a “confrontation” between Boston and the police resulting in him being shot.
Boston was rushed to the Suddie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
An autopsy later revealed that Boston died as a result of haemorrhage and shock due to gunshot injuries to the chest.
Boston’s widow, Feona Boston had previously told reporters that the police kicked down their back door, went into their bedroom and shot the businessman. She said that ranks were all over the house with guns and her two children, ages 6 and 7, witnessed the entire ordeal.
Boston was shot with a rifle. The policeman who allegedly shot Boston is currently under close arrest.
Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie has since ordered a comprehensive investigation into the shooting. The investigation is being spearheaded by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
According to the police statement, during the visit Benn expressed disappointment at the incident and assured the family that the Government is committed to having an impartial investigation done “to get to the bottom of this”.
“Loss of life never helps,” the statement quoted Benn as saying.
Benn also told the family that he will ensure that there is a review of the force’s SOPs, the statement said.
“Police killing should never occur, only in extreme circumstances where a police life is in danger or in a bid to save
civilian lives. Our method should only occur as a process of lawful approaches,” the statement further quoted Benn as saying.
The statement added that Boston’s relatives asked for a “speedy” investigation so that the motive for his death can be ascertained and that they can receive closure.
They also asked for the force to employ more training for its ranks so as to avoid any such recurrence, the statement said.
The police statement added that Boston’s father “during his emotional interaction with the minister, expressed his profound grief at the passing of his son and promised that he will hold the peace until justice is served”.
Following the visit, the police said Benn met with senior officials of the Region including Police Commander, Superintendent Denise Griffith where arrangements were made for the family to be provided with the necessary support and counselling.
A number of details surrounding the shooting of Boston remain sketchy. This includes how many ranks entered the house, what means were used to gain entry to Boston’s house, and whether any of the force’s SOPs were breached.
Pressed for answers during a press conference last Wednesday, Hoppie told the media that these details will be determined in the investigation.