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by pltm
(PLTM) - Members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) acted lawfully when they shot and killed prison escapee, Santo Yamarco Hernandez. This is the findings of the independent probe into the December 2017 incident.
Commissioner James Smith of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, along with his officers, undertook the investigation.
“I am pleased that the investigators have found that the officers involved acted lawfully in carrying out their duties and were acting in defence of their lives and those of their colleagues,” Governor Gus Jaspert said in a statement issued today, September 20.
He added that both the Summary Report plus the more detailed Confidential Report have now been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions and Her Majesty’s Coroner for their consideration.
“The DPP has since concluded that there are no criminal charges to be preferred in this matter.”
Hernandez, a native of Santo Domingo, who was charged for the murder of Alston Penn, was shot and killed in the Butu Mountain by officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force during an alleged confrontation.
He was taken to the Peebles Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“As you will see, investigators were tasked with undertaking a thorough review of the incident, to assess whether the force used by the RVIPF Officers was justified, necessary and proportionate and to provide recommendations for handling future incidents,” the Governor said.
However, he indicated that the investigation found that there are lessons to be learned from this incident for the RVIPF, in terms of both equipment, training and record keeping.
“The detailed recommendations are now being implemented by the RVIPF Commissioner of Police. We must not forget though that a life has been lost and my sympathies go out to Mr. Hernandez’s family,” Governor Jaspert stated.
He thanked the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their work on the investigation.
“I conclude by also thanking our own Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Police Officers have to make difficult decisions every day to protect our safety and security and I am grateful for their bravery and dedication to serving the public,” the Governor stated.
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