Daniel Carbon talks tough on illegal activities in the police force

Police Commissioner Daniel Carbon
Police Commissioner Daniel Carbon

Police chief, Daniel Carbon, has a warning for policemen under his watch who may be involved in the illegal activities saying he will be harsh on them.

“I will never encourage, tolerate and close a blind eye to police officers involved in illegal activities,” he said in a wide ranging interview. “It might be a difficult thing to prove but who knows; 99 days for the thief and one day for the watchman.”

He said police officers have been arrested in the past with cocaine and were dismissed after they were found guilty in court. “No police officer can expect sympathy or pampering from me if they are found to be involved with or in illegal drug activities, that is unacceptable not only here but worldwide, I will be very hard on them,” he stated.

It has been suggested by some that the police force in Dominica is ‘political’ and when quizzed on this, Carbon pointed out that politics affects every institution of government.

“Politics has been in the police force before me and continues while I am there …. it has had its influence before and even when I am gone,” Carbon noted. “But the officers must understand that they are entitled to their political bias but it must not be displayed in public, lest the public gets the wrong impression … police officers must act professionally at all times.”

He described the police force as “a challenge” but but said under his tenure he wants officers to behave in a “professional manner.”

“The police force as I see it is a challenge,” Carbon stated. “I knew that when I became chief it would not have been smooth sailing. We have a job to do and so we have to do it since we are paid to do it and I want it to be done professionally under my leadership.”

He stated that being a police chief anywhere in the world is difficult but he is consoled by the fact that he has a lot of professional and productive officers in the force.

“I can breathe a sigh of relief and say I know every single officer and this puts me in a position to manage,” the police chief remarked. “I know who work and those who do not work. I know those with a reputation and those who work with the interest of building the good image of the force … so I know every single one of them and what also is at my advantage is going up the ranks from constable to the hot seat that I now hold since I have slept in the stations and barracks with them.”

Carbon said his life has always been about “truth and honesty” and likes to see things done “right and properly,” especially in the police force.

He also stated that the vast majority of police officers are well behaved and dedicated. “There are about 90 percent of the officers who are well behaved, dedicated, and professional and enjoy doing their work,” he said.

However, he pointed out that about 10 percent of the force behaving in a particular way that the police force can do without.  “I cannot, and I hope I could, swiftly deal with these officers but it has to go through a process,” Carbon said.

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68 Comments

  1. Dominica Justice
    May 31, 2014

    We need Juctice

  2. August 24, 2013

    Chief, we need you assistance in solving this and getting my ring returned to its rightful owner!

    This following comment is also under Batibou Beach Robbery!

    I am disheartened to write this to all Dominicans that were so happy to hear our items were recovered after we were robbed in July. Yes, we are the honeymoon couple that left Dominica with a sense of peace after that frustrating ordeal! My husband and I were told that we could not take our items (including my ring) when we left Dominica, as the police needed the items as evidence for the case against the suspects (which by the way were only fined with a slap on the hand!) We were reluctant to leave the items (especially my ring), but was reassured that everything would be mailed the following week to the U.S. I was anxious to have my ring on my finger again, but once we received the package my ring was not there. Yes, thieves targeted us AGAIN (third time)!!!!! This time we weren’t even in Dominica! Everything was in the box except that ring, (the only item that we cared about)! There was negligence on the part of the Dominican police and the company they asked to ship it. Right now it’s a “he said, she said” as to what happened before and during shipment to the States. First of all, why would anyone ship a ring the way the police did? Come on????????? I thought people there on the island would want to know that our nightmare has not ended due to greedy, dishonest people that saw an opportunity to take from others. At this point, we are unsure where the ring was stolen but authorities and the shipper are aggressively investigating our case. We are devastated by this, yet once again!!!!

  3. Truth to Power
    August 22, 2013

    I wonder if the USA is punishing the government of DOM and the CDPF, by extension, by putting axe in all training that have to do with the USA?

    Or maybe the Inspector that putting the garlic under his pillow have something to do with that…. Something to investigate….

  4. August 20, 2013

    right in wesley there is a police who killed then i heard him noasting about he killed one then when he was going to put bullets in another man backside the gun jam that police force needs cleaning out.

  5. MWE MEM
    August 20, 2013

    Admin at DNO,there was a Comment from Eavesdropper early this morning I am not seeing it there!!! Why was it removed when there a WORST posted?

  6. Morne Bruce
    August 20, 2013

    Mr. Carbon, you need to get new picture for DNO.

  7. Pondera
    August 20, 2013

    Mr Carbon is in the driving seat. I love the way he articulates regarding illegality in the Police Force. He seem to know what he wants and has the mind set to get it done. I can only wish him success. Reneto Adams of the Jamaica Constabulary Force once said that politicians do not tell him how to do his policing job. Mr Carbon postures like a Reneto Adams. Excellent so far. Nuff respect.

  8. Marigotian
    August 20, 2013

    Clean up is time long past and overdue. Stop the talking and get to work!!!

  9. The Eavesdropper
    August 20, 2013

    Mr. Commissioner,

    I am aware that you are trying your best…but MAGWAY SAH what is happening in the CDPF is nonsense…You cannot have HARDWORKING Officers law abiding, doing the hard work while the EMPTY HEADED Newsmongers, political leeches are being promoted…this is UNFAIR!! You having qualified, hardworking, dedicated Officers names coming up for training and they cannot be sent…THIS IS UNFAIR…yet some that doesn’t know dog burst fowl head ends up in Mexico and other places…THIS MUST STOP!!
    It appears for Police Officers to get promoted they either have to sleep with garlic and garlic skin under their pillow like a certain Inspector , join the Louge or be a newsmonger to the people on the Police Service Commission, have a close friend in Police Administration or higher still be tight with the PM…This should NOT be the case…Give the deserving Offficers, what is due to them.
    Mr. Commissioner, I certainly would NOT like to be in your shoes at this time…the persons who have your back are the ones who are left to feel demotivated, victimized and crushed.

    • MWE MEM
      August 20, 2013

      You are absolutely correct…there are a few persons in offices in the CDPF who victimize their own…An Officer/s are selected for training and the information is not sent where it has to be sent because they know that the individual/s will do well and may be promoted and they will give some nonsense excuse, as to why you cannot go on the training; the people in Administration should be rotated, they believe promotions and training are for them and their CHOSEN FEW…
      Give Jack his jacket and give Jacklyn her lipstick… give the deserving Officer/s what they deserve i.e. the necessary Training and Promotion.
      I am a Law abiding citizen, I pay my taxes and I listen to many civilians and Police Officers talk.
      They are FRUSTRATING their own when they do this

      • Dominica Justice
        May 31, 2014

        this so true especially the clause victimizing there own.ACCORDING TO NASIO fOUNTAIN WE NEED jUCTICE FOR ONE AND jUCTICE FOR ALL.

    • true vibes
      September 2, 2013

      couldn’t have said it better. And the officers they didn’t want in town are now back in Tax force, thanks to their commissioner. But don’t worry god is not a police. He giving all his friends cpl and others can’t be promoted. I hope you send them to the out stations to hold their own as well promoting them so send them to hold their own as well. Its not one set to be transferred in the country side…let them prove their worth. Stop hiding them.

    • Dominica Justice
      May 31, 2014

      Very true comment

  10. Justice and Truth
    August 20, 2013

    Chief of Police, I applaud you and concur with you. You are the leader and, of course, you must take the initiative to establish discipline and professionalism in the Police Force which is now wanting.
    I am confident under your leadership, in time, Dominica will have the best Police Force in the region, if not in the entire world.
    Dominicans should support you in your effort to revamp the Police Force to make it a proficient one. In so doing, this will aid in decreasing criminal activities, if not eradicating them altogether. D/cans will be the recipients of the renewed Police Force.
    Good luck! God bless you!

  11. Anony
    August 19, 2013

    Instead of saying that you will be tough on them, there should be some policies and consequences outlined that will automatically be given to those who are committing crimes, or engaged in illegal activities. Saying this made it seem that the consequences can be dependent on those who commit the crime and subjected to interference. what is the consequence and process for officers involved in selling drugs, illegal arms, brutality on citizens etc etc.

  12. lee
    August 19, 2013

    Good luck Mr. Commissioner, I hope that the DPD will be doing their work and be decent cops the way they suppose to be.

  13. Evolution
    August 19, 2013

    Not going to be satisfied or believe u chief.Not unless i start hearing police officers getting arrested and charged for putting drugs back on the streets and sheltering the king pins.Then and only then will i know and see u mean business.

    • One Eye Man
      August 19, 2013

      You must be one of the foolish ones who cannot understand the message. Can you put them before the courts with suspicion of with evidence fool.

    • wotsop
      August 19, 2013

      u not satisfy but he wudnt just arrest and charge police just like that to please tehbeh Dominicans like all u sancre boohoe befor all u hear somethin about police all u getting hyper. go and look for work for all u to do and stop harassing the man and his police officers becuz all u doe get a chance to join the police force.sancre boooohoe marlfetehhh allez garsse!

    • Justice and Truth
      August 20, 2013

      What is your point? Did you not read what he stated? Give him a break. Give him time. He has an obligation to fulfill to Dominicans. He knows what to do as Chief. He does not need your negative comments. :twisted: :mrgreen:

  14. One Love
    August 19, 2013

    I am tired with that nonsense. The commissioner before you said the same. If you are aware of the corrupt practices by officers why haven’t you address it? You are here talking tough,. Talk is cheap, get to work and show us what you are doing. Additionally, you have been a senior police officer at the rank of Supt. for some time now. What have you done to address such a situation?

    Mr. Commissioner, if you want to be taken seriously, please show us your strategic plan for the development of the police force for the next five years. That I expect will include recruiting, discipline, training, bridging the gap between the police and community relationship, crime fighting, professionalism, boosting police moral among other things. You strategic plan will let us know how you intend to address these issues and what you expect us as a community to do to assist you. Stop rambling and get to work. Let us see what you are made of and stop fighting your officers. Then and only then we will see your substance and take you seriously, for you cannot run from the fact that you were politically appointed

    • One Eye Man
      August 19, 2013

      yeah, just act tough and outside of the law and then the state is being sued left right and center what would you have to say then, fool?

      • One Love
        August 21, 2013

        Can’t you read?

    • Dominica Justice
      May 31, 2014

      What strategic Plan, u ever here the Ministry sending dumb people and teach,if you doe do well in college academically how can you teach,apply this same Principle here.You have qualified persons in the Force and you promoted unqualified persons.Typical Dominica,no wonder all our population is elsewhere.

  15. Anonymous
    August 19, 2013

    I am impress. That’s how a chief suppose to speak and act.

  16. UDOHREADYET
    August 19, 2013

    My family has had their fair share of public servants. The police officers have always been under paid yet they have excellent benefits as they should. It’s important though to reward officers that make important arrests and get some sort of bonus structure. This may avert involvement in crime while fostering a purposeful eye towards duty.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 20, 2013

      Bonus for arresting criminals? No way! They should be rewarded for their conscientious and dedicated service, as giving them an appropriate annual salary increase. This is how appreciative employers reward their staff. If they have not earned it, they should not receive it.

  17. LPD FOR EVER
    August 19, 2013

    Sir, you talking like you know the bad cops, you doesn’t and you have no proof, if you did, you first have talk to the PM about, you just can’t take action on your own!!!

    What should happen if these cops a laid off the force, it’s going to be replace by UWP guys…

    Do forget how appointed you!!

    • Justice and Truth
      August 20, 2013

      How foolish of you to make such comments? :twisted: :mrgreen: He worked among them, as one of them. Now, he is Chief of Police. Surely he should know them. Even their peers know who are the good cops and bad ones.
      If they are laid off or resign, there are always others who will fill their position. No one is indispensable. Why worry about it? You are not the Chief of Police nor the police officers. Be smart!

      • Justice and Truth
        August 20, 2013

        “or”

  18. Doc. Love
    August 19, 2013

    The time has come for you to pack up and leave the office of the Commissioner of Police.In a few months a new Prime Minister will be in office, therefore, trying to put your house in order is a little to late. As far as I am concerned, the United Workers Party Administration under the capable leadership of Mr. Lennox Linton as Prime Minister should have no alternative but to replace you with Inspector Weeks.

    • One Eye Man
      August 19, 2013

      and then Mr Weekes and Linton will do the policing around dominica. Have u ever considered a Dominica without police? Try that and find out how if feels as police would take drastic action to show their disapproval.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 20, 2013

      Here is another presumptuous one who appears to know the future and is certain what will occur in the future. If only!
      Let us hope everyone will be alive and the world will be still around. These days with all what is going on in the world and worse to come which I need not elaborate on, you never know. God is in control; not human beings. He knows the future and what will happen in the future.

  19. Anonymous
    August 19, 2013

    Good Job Mr. Carbon,a straight police force is imperative for fighting crime. People must be able to trust the men and women. We must send a strong message to criminals that Dominica is operating at a zero tolerance level. The men and women who take the oath to become police officers must understand that it’s about saving and protecting your home. I know the salary isn’t the best right now but the greatest reward in police work is to know that one less child will be on drugs or one less woman will be raped or one less person will be killed unnecessarily. So keep your heads up and people of Dominica stop critizing and help your officers to make Dominica a better place to live and visit.

  20. Hmmmmmmmmmmm
    August 19, 2013

    The following section of that report is that which most concerns me. “He said police officers have been arrested in the past with cocaine and were dismissed after they were found guilty in court. “No police officer can expect sympathy or pampering from me if they are found to be involved with or in illegal drug activities, that is unacceptable not only here but worldwide, I will be very hard on them,” he stated.” The language here seems very guarded and lacking in the strength with which the police chief should be dealing with this issue. Police Officers have a responsibility to uphold the law. They are paid for that very purpose and if they are caught and so found to be involved in illegal activity, they should know that NOT ONLY WILL THEY BE DISMISSED BUT THAT THEY WILL BE PUNISHED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW!!!!!!!!! IN OTHER WORDS, THEY WILL BE IMPRISONED AND SHOULD EVEN FACE HARSHER SENTENCES THAT THOSE WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE POLICE FORCE BUT ARE FOUND TO BE INVOLVED IN THIS ACTIVITY. It must be said by the chief!! He must be robust with them and must be absolutely clear on the matter. His language sounds like he is afraid that his home may be attacked at night or that he might be targeted in some other way if he is too firm. Hmmmmmmmmmm

    • One Eye Man
      August 19, 2013

      Is it the chief of POLICE who has to enforce the law or the Courts fool. Sometimes I wonder why some of you bright people comment of stories at all. The chief can only order investigations and arrest and charge then its up to the Magistrates or Judges to dispense punishment not the chief of police. How can he say that she will be sent to jail he is not the one to try the cases. Why dont some of you sit back and read before you type foolishness.

      • One Eye Man
        August 19, 2013

        they will be sent to jail.

  21. ok
    August 19, 2013

    Just last week I was wondering why dont police never get arested in dominica,only police constables.is like d whole system bad.iam verry suprised an happy an proud of mister carbon for being an honest man a real law man to acknowlege an dpeak bout it..so u mean our police does never take bribes,never use excesive force,never coverup evidence,,perfect police force yea..

  22. Mark
    August 19, 2013

    Mr.Carbon is handicapped in so many ways. He has zero power and has been reduced to being a gate keeper and figure head. The gentleman is wearing the brass and gazette uniform because the constitution demands it- that’s all he has.

  23. Ti Buoy
    August 19, 2013

    Your admission Sir. 10 percent of the force is bad. This is pretty high. That’s 1 in 10. What a sad state we are in. I hope we can improve that to one percent under your leadership.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 20, 2013

      It is like some other employees. Some people join the Police Force without good intentions. It may be that this is the type of person they are. In addition, it gives them the opportunity and freedom to act dishonorably without being detected. In time the wheels of justice soon catches up with those who do evil.

  24. VDBDBV
    August 19, 2013

    Mr. Carbon i wonder if that includes prostitution?

  25. Black Pearl
    August 19, 2013

    “All bark and no bite”. The Commish looks overwhelmed.

    • agree
      August 19, 2013

      I like that police chief wii.

  26. me
    August 19, 2013

    an officer that was tough on crime in a certain constuence in the north around paix bouche area u move him to traffic in town cause someone tell a certain prime minister that he would loose election if the officer was not moved now u commign and talk ur bullcrap about tough on crime in the force man move there and start doign ur job not the polititions biddings

  27. xxx
    August 19, 2013

    Ten thumbs up for you mr Carbon am on board with u 100 percent!!!

  28. Anonymous
    August 19, 2013

    tell them mr carbon do ur job am backing u 100%

  29. FRENZ
    August 19, 2013

    I like the tough talk about corrupt COPs and the disciplinary action s that may be applied. I like the pep talk about Truth however I would like to hear tough talk against polutical interference with police investigations

  30. August 19, 2013

    i told u so that police force is very hungry ,money small every month they have no choice to do that,u see the drug squard force this is the ones we have to be careful of they are doing too much illegal activities,people i know what i am saying, its the fact don’t take it for a joke.love my country so much but this drugs squard lord help them,one thing we have to always remember they come from a poor family,things tight.love u dominica.

  31. Anonymous
    August 19, 2013

    t
    hat’s good mr commissioner do ur work some of them are there for the
    ir money every month and don’t care what happen

    to dominica so have a close eye on them

  32. jgd
    August 19, 2013

    That’s the man No nonsense Commissioner. Following the footsteps of XCommissioner Blanchard

    • Justice and Truth
      August 20, 2013

      I remember Blanchard. If I recall hearing he passed on ‘suddenly?’some years ago. A nice guy. RIP.

  33. DC
    August 19, 2013

    Wonderful Commissioner Carbon! I am confident that you are an exemplary leader. The Force should never encourage employees with selfish motives. There are Officers who serve from the heart, they work tirelessly to maintain law and order, they ought to be promoted. Mr. Carbon, i understand that there is s process that must be adhered to, in order to terminate those who are destroying the reputation of the Force, however, when the evidence is clear cut, the process must be expedited to rid the Force of these bad examples. Mr. Carbon, keep up the great work!

  34. LCM
    August 19, 2013

    Nice to hear that from the chief. Also ban the use of alcohol while on duty and in uniform.
    yes every dominican has political views and there is politics within the force, but please don’t let the force be influence by outside and party politics. Decisions are to be made according to the law and esrablish code of ethics , which i imagine are more stringent for law enforcement.

    As long as your officers know they have sworn to protect the people, the constitition and the law among other things they should be fine

    From what i read in news chief seems to be doing fine so far.

  35. PHQ
    August 19, 2013

    This is the kind os speech I have been waiting for over the years from you Mr. Commissioner. Thanks for coming out and saying the iught things.
    Politics and Ploicing do not go hand in hand thus there will be conflict of interest.
    Not because a police man is a friend of a Pal Rep that he can’t be spoken to or corrected. Put them in their place.
    Now that I know where you stand, and you have talk the talk, let us see you walk the walk and approach known police officers who are involved in illigal activities and tell them in their faces that you are watching them.

  36. grell
    August 19, 2013

    good piece Mr.Carbon get the dirtbags out,have seen some of them.

  37. pinky
    August 19, 2013

    I do hope you deal with the lazy policemen harsh they just sit on their and hen a report is made they don’t go out to investigate.

  38. Jayson
    August 19, 2013

    I honestly think that this commissioner of police really means business.

  39. BrutalW
    August 19, 2013

    it is time that the commissioner gets tough on this police officers. alot of things has been going on in this force for example i as an individual have been making reports since december 22nd 2012 nothing has been done is either all the vehicles are out or the investigates are not present. when will dominica police men take there job serious

  40. Curious2
    August 19, 2013

    Please deal with them sooner than later. Don’t let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch.

  41. Ive
    August 19, 2013

    its all good to talk but the questionis what are you going to do about it?

  42. top cop
    August 19, 2013

    Ten percent of bad apples in a force is way too much. That is very troubling for the country and it’s visitors.

  43. Tell me
    August 19, 2013

    You came through Politics when there were others before you who are more qualified than you and yet there is someone upstairs who playing more politic and back stroking you what a shame to see a place I once work.

  44. rosa parks
    August 19, 2013

    Amen! Amen! Amen! It is time.. for too long these police officers have been getting away with Criminal acts and activities and they think that they are above the law. Woe be unto them

  45. Hehehehehe
    August 19, 2013

    Mr. carbon with all due respect..you were hired to be the Top Cop. Stop talking and start acting. You already have a P.R.O let him do the talking..we need to see action. As its said: Action speaks louder than words!!!!

  46. jlo
    August 19, 2013

    nice words my carbon all the officers that does sit down and gamble like it doh have a tomorrow and then that selling guns look for them i will send you pic

  47. mahaut in de uk
    August 19, 2013

    if its only 10% of officers that seems to behave in a particular way then it shouldn’t be difficult to eradicate more importantly get ride of within the police force. i believe Mr Carbon have the best intention for the force but the whole political situation is hampering him. ” let te truth be told”. please let not mix politics with state affairs.

  48. Tdot
    August 19, 2013

    Tell it them!

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