Police chief orders investigation into firearm theft

A .45 pistol
A .45 pistol

Police chief, Daniel Carbon, said he has launched an investigation into an incident in which a gun was reportedly stolen at the police charge office by one of his men.

He said a pistol is involved.

“Two months ago one of my officers took away a .45 pistol in the charge office,” he said.  “What is the intention of this officer to steal government and police force weapon?”

Carbon said he is concerned over the incident and investigations are ongoing. He hinted that there are many questions to be asked. “What are you doing with the government .45 pistol?” he queried.

Meanwhile the top cop is asking other questions concerning the conduct of members of the force. “You hear they colluding with drug dealers, you hear they leaking out my official documents but when you leak out the documents of you own police department you expect the public to confide in you, to give you information?” he stated. “What would the public think?”

He called on police officers to stop what he said might harm the force. “So those officers must stop that,” he said. “You  damage the force today, tomorrow you can never know what can happen.”

Carbon has also announced that he has launched an investigation into a fire at the Coast Guard Base in Fond Cole.

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71 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    July 26, 2013

    Chief I am a law enforcement officer in the U.S. If we are even seen in the company of a criminal, an investigation is immediately launched. Every 3 years we are investigated from top to bottom. Our finances, family, friends etc. Perhaps you need to beef up your internal investigative branch to weed out the corrupted ones.

  2. John Paul
    July 25, 2013

    So You mean all the time Q95 was declawaying the corruption in the force it was true?
    They Critisize Matt and Angelo saying they giving the country bad name look now the Commisioner Himself is griping about it .
    Right on Q ,Right on Q

  3. Shameless
    July 25, 2013

    Its good to see the chief venting his frustration on the entire establishment but to understand what is going on in the police force one must be “closely” tied to the force. The efforts of the chief is seriously being undermined by a few politically aligned policemen lead by a “very senior” garbadine wearing officer with links to the PM.

    In truth and fact, he is the one remotely running the police force with total disregard for the chief and deputy. The Deputy and Chief, while not “enemies” can by no means be considered colleagues due to the animosity that exist between them. Few words are exchanged and police officers are not even sure whose directives they are supposed to follow. So there we go, three big boys running a small force equates to too many chiefs and not enough indians as my granny would say. Another BIG problem affecting morale is the composition of the Police Service Commission. We have a former …. serving on that commission who should never be there because of his view towards some good officers. He should be removed from the commission.

    The problems in the police force are deep and cannot be fixed by those currently at the helm (Superintend and above). I will however admit that the highest ranking WOMAN Officer in the force has the ability to work with someone and fix the issues quickly if given the opportunity. If I had to give some advice to the powers that be, it would be as follows;
    1. Bring in a retired former commissioner/ senior police like Darroux, Pestinae (Former DPP) or Alfred on contract to fix the force

    2. During that period, send the current commissioner, deputy and trouble maker senior office of paid leave for an extended period

    3. Stop recruiting based on recommendations from politicians (parlreps)

    4. Implement a policy the forbids senior officers from fraternizing with women police officers (too much disrespect of WPC’s going on in that place)

    5. Review and change training programme where necessary to meet global standards including a least one week on ethics

    6. Make it mandatory that anyone moving above the rank of Sergent must have at least an Associates Degree (2 years) in something

    7. Make the office of commissioner independent like that of the DPP reporting to the President and not to the PM as is currently the norm.

    8. Retrain all officers in firearms, issue personal firearms to all officers and make it lawful for officers to carry weapons 24hrs/ 7 days a week at their discretion

    The police force is a messy, messy, messy place right now with vindictive officers preying on the lower ranks. This does not help with morale and as such contributes to the current situation. It is sad that while we all want the current chief to succeed, one cant help but acknowledge that there are more qualified, degreed individuals within the force that are being held down. It is time for a serious overhaul of the police force and its support systems. 8)

    “Change Must Come”
    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  4. Big up
    July 25, 2013

    First and foremost I must say hearing all of these bad news about these police officers is not very enlightening. Instead its just pure entertainment.

    I believe that many officers constantly undermine the chief especially David. The chief makes a decision and he somehow manages to give different directives from what was discussed, take the transfers for instance. So it appears that there is a Deputy Chief who is only deputy by name, there is a chief, only by name. The man in there put by the government to “bring go and bring come” is David. He is reigning now, but even King David once ruled and is no longer. So while he’s laughing and conspiring, Officers are only making room for him…. Life continues.

  5. disappointed
    July 25, 2013

    what a darm shame.. lawless state we operate in…i really am scared to live in this place called Dominica!

    • Zakolic
      July 25, 2013

      Before other dwelling country Dominica was there and will always be my home so swallow your negatives of yours this is the land of my birth and not the country I got permit to live the soil of DA is ours THANK YOU

  6. Justice and Truth
    July 25, 2013

    Yes! Why did the police officer take the gun? What is his/her plan? For what intent? Is someone going to be killed? Or will it be used for protection?
    Police Chief I hope the officer will turn him/herself in. These days men and women are employed in the police force. Therefore I should not say “he”.

  7. Justice and Truth
    July 25, 2013

    This is nothing unusual that police who are supposed to “Serve and Protect” do not always adhere to their positions.
    I did not expect to hear this in Dominica. As I will always say, Dominica being a small island, people would be honest including those who are entrusted with confidentiality and items as guns. Therefore, it is shocking to read this.
    Will Dominica be able to have trustworthy policemen? A different type of strategy will have to be exercised when seeking, orienting and training them for the police force in Dominica.
    Some people apply for certain positions because they pay well and with a certain status. This does not mean they are sincere and dedicated to their jobs.
    Police Chief, be careful when hiring new recruits to the police force. They should be people of certain calibre.

  8. July 24, 2013

    vote of no confidence in police chief and force .

  9. Looking in
    July 24, 2013

    Mr Chief, I suspect you are on the PM’s radar, so you there trying to make it look like you are this force to be recon with.. Give me a break!! David is in line for your position so I doh blame you one bit. Beef up your chest, hold your head up high, and try, try to make it look like you are “top Cop” material…but..Time will tell..

  10. Joeblo
    July 24, 2013

    Elah Mr Carbon! Well Mr Commissioner things are really bad. The Chief of Police pleading with his subordinates? “Stop dat fellas, stop dat. You damaging the Force”

    I would expect the Police Commissioner to issue a stern warning that the persons breaching Police code on conduct will be dealt with. If there is apparently so much lawlessness in the force the Police’s ability to combat crime in the society will be patently ineffective.

  11. fredey
    July 24, 2013

    Too much politics

  12. law-less-ness
    July 24, 2013

    A stitch in time, saves nine. Do you all know what happened to one of the top cop in NEW YORK because of corruption, he went to jail. His name is Bernard Kerrick. If you don’t treat cancer in the beginning, it sure to spread. Monkey see, monkey do. Too much corruption in high places including, government, police force, social security, etc.

    Those police have so many women to maintain, with the little salary they are getting, they must join the drug dealers. Corruption breed corruption. Cameras should be every where in critical place including, government headquarters, police headquarters, etc. They should start finger printing them too.

    When your people protecting the country is corrupt, LOOK OUR, your country is in big problem. Too many examples in the Caribbean, and the world at large. Nip thing in the bud. There have to be accountability, responsibility and punishment.

  13. Professor Dumbledore
    July 24, 2013

    Dca police is joke. aye i see some recruits walking in town today there and i just had to shake my head

  14. July 24, 2013

    Good afternoon my people. Hello Mr Carbon based on this article I suspect that the Firearm wasn’t stolen rather it was returned to the Officer based on an administrative miscommunication. Now you said that Officers are leaking internal Department communications from within your office. Sir you are the Police Commissioner and you should developer a plan to find out who is leaking the information. If you find that person then you should make an example of that person. Sir you should take an Assistant Chief of Police and put that person in charge of Internal Affairs Bureau giving him/her all the resources they need to investigate corruption within the Police Department. Any Officer who’s found to be associating with a known criminal or involved in criminal activity they should be arrested then suspended for one month without pay and placed on modify assignment pending termination. Sir you also want the public to call Crime Stoppers but if your Officers are leaking your information then how do you expect our citizens to have confidence in your Department . Sir please set up a sting within your office to catch the person responsible. I also suspect that you address the news media without notes/speaking points therefore you sound like someone who dropped out of high school. The Department has a spokesman so if you can’t hold a news conference then provide the information to the spokesman and they will inform the media and the public. Am not criticizing rather I want to see improvement in our Police Department.

  15. Hello
    July 24, 2013

    Police stealing? Not a big surprise – some of them steal and lie a lot. Even at church too. May God help us.

  16. "O" STRESS"
    July 24, 2013

    SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD, we are going down somebody Help PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

  17. Righteous
    July 24, 2013

    I like the way the Carbon is conducting business. For too long the force has had members giving out info on drug raids and inside info. Time to change the Modus Operandi of the DPF. Get rid of all the corrupted cops.

  18. TOMO ( SF Soldier)
    July 24, 2013

    Checks should been carried out at the begin and end of the week most likely by trained ranking officer to account for every weapon.

    Dominican police chain of command should implement tuffer laws for police officers when on duty and the issuing of there weapons and when? and where? they can have weapons.

    Alot to say but at the end of the day we a dealing with human beings…

  19. fil
    July 24, 2013

    Officers stealing guns from force what a damn shame. They are arresting outsiders for stealing and they are doing worst that what you call disgraceful. Commissioner any officer caught in any illegal act should be fired from the force. It will be very difficult to get control on this drug problems because most of the cops are involve.

  20. July 24, 2013

    The whole Police Force is corrupted and need to be trained as respectful and serious people who the community should looked up too. The polices are greedy for money and they would do anything to get rich and richer.
    The police chief Mr. Carbon
    Daniel,Mr.David,Mr.Patrickson Albert and a few to mention are the best ones in the force but the others are just greedy and would do lots of crime to climb up the ladder to reach the money tree. Where is Dominica going too? Police men and women are not doing their jobs good and falls for the
    greed to be rich instead of doing the right things as police officers
    .

  21. July 24, 2013

    The Police Force’s popularity is at an all time low with Dominicans
    We don’t trust them, Too many Things have been swept under the carpet.
    They are helping keep a corrupt government in power,They are the biggest drug dealer with access to firearms and they dont fire police, so where that leave us?? :wink:

    • listener
      July 24, 2013

      how does the police help to keep a government in power fool. do you know the role of the police educate yourself before you type ignorance on DNO. What role does the police have to play in the election or removal of a democratically elected government? some of you just love the fact that you can comment on issues you don’t understand and you are so proud of yourselves. Please, theft happens all over the place and in every organization you will find a few who don’t deserve to be in there, but an investigation is opened. If you have info that any police officer is working with drug dealers and you don’t make that known to the COP then you are as guilty as that corrupt officer and drug dealer. shame on you if all you can do is type crap on DNO. Be Dominican write and anonymous letter to the COP and he will catch the dirty policeman. stupeeessss

  22. Sati Sot
    July 24, 2013

    When you catch the corpthief let us know. Don’t forget to post his/her picture.

  23. Pedro
    July 24, 2013

    One word: cameras!

  24. Realist
    July 24, 2013

    What a joke. He speaks like a sister warning her younger brother with no authoritative power.
    Truly sad.

  25. Citizen
    July 24, 2013

    Bad management of the police force constitutes to the misconduct of officers. The head needs to be disciplined and manage effectively first for further development of the police force. You don’t expect an institution with a person in charge who has no and neither display the qualities of a leader to lead others.

    • ah ha
      July 24, 2013

      The head needs to stop throwing the force under the bus just to make himself look good. Order your investigation yes, but do you need to put it into the news everytime?

      investigate, then tell us results of investigation, if anything comes out of it. But dont be like some bosses bad talking your employees in the media (even if there are some bad)- brings down the morale of the entire institution and depletes the faith people have in it.

    • supporter
      July 24, 2013

      I strongly support ur point made

    • listener
      July 24, 2013

      is that why the officer stole the gun? thanks for you empty contribution.

  26. G
    July 24, 2013

    Politicians must leave the police do their work and stop getting involve for a vote!!!!!!!!!

  27. lik
    July 24, 2013

    This chief means business. I like him!

    • ....................
      July 24, 2013

      He is nothing more than a joker! I am not convinced that he can do what is needed to be done to sanitize the force.

  28. rescue 911
    July 24, 2013

    too much robo cop in the dominica police force

  29. Farmer Boii
    July 24, 2013

    Truth and Justice………any comments?

  30. woy
    July 24, 2013

    hahha way way look ting wi in that police force.i sorry for those young constables.even if all u innocent then is the whole force that paying for it even allu alas

  31. objective
    July 24, 2013

    Your no nonesence approach will charlenge the statusco. positive changes in the interest of force and the state will be resisted to protect personal gains. Be strong and objective; change is not an option, the public demands it.

  32. mee1
    July 24, 2013

    Did’nt they just reinstate an officer for that same thing. Can someone please explain what is going on in the force. How the officers get their hands on the guns and who releases the guns to them. That is becoming a joke now, it seem like just now all special constable and new officers can just go take a gun and no one will know about it missing.

  33. Sati Sot
    July 24, 2013

    Only one he’s missing? maybe he’s just starting with one. Someone had to be in charge of all firearm. I thought these weapons were kept under lock and key!!! I don’t understand that. They set police compound on fire destroying a boat, now they went deeper still and stole a gun? Wake up Dominica!!! your representatives are a-sleep at the wheel. Change your Captain now.

  34. Edmonton, Canada
    July 24, 2013

    Mr.Carrette spoke about the same thing two years ago, since then nothing has been done. Mr. Carbon take action before its too late

    • lik
      July 24, 2013

      Lets just be happy something seems to be happening to curb the problem.

  35. Not a herd follower
    July 24, 2013

    Police officers stealing from the Force? Get rid of all these miscreants. We the people of Dominica want an honest, disciplined, efficient and effective Police Force. The Commissioner should receive the public support in the pursuit of bringing about this desired change.

    • Rastafari
      July 24, 2013

      @ Not a herd follower: there is no such thing as “an honest, disciplined, efficient and effective Police Force” Let me know when and where one is and that’s where I’ll be moving to. :mrgreen:

      • Justice and Truth
        July 25, 2013

        In Heaven. Make sure you get there. :lol:

    • sock it
      July 24, 2013

      blame society, thats where they come from

    • pedro
      July 24, 2013

      if a man is a thief before he joins the force what do you expect him to do when he has attained power. is there a cctv system in there?.

      soon that gun will show up somewhere..

  36. Governance
    July 24, 2013

    I commend the police chief. The public should give him the support. In every organization, there are those who will do contrary to the rules. In our own families, we have as we say ” the rotten one.”

    So please let us help the Commissioner of Police. He is a breath of fresh air, not only to the Police, but to other Government agencies, private businesses and our own families.

    May the Holy Spirit give him the fortitude, wisdom, knowledge, counsel, understanding, piety and importantly, the fear of the Lord to continue his work.

    • Jesus Cries
      July 24, 2013

      @ Governance…. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: They tired tell all you God is not a police, so how you expect him/her to give a babylon fortitude? :-D :-D

      • Justice and Truth
        July 25, 2013

        People as you know nothing. Our God may not be an earthly policeman but He knows everything which transpires on this earth. His eyes are everywhere. Better believe it. He knows who stole the gun. Woe to the police officer if that one does not return it and give himself up.
        Our God knows, sees and hears all things. Nothing is hidden from him. He cannot be deceived. His Holy Spirit scrutinizes all our works, words included, for our judgment. I like to say a mini one while we are alive and as we age. By this we will be judged.

    • Rastafari
      July 24, 2013

      Please don’t make a mock of your God.

  37. Glo Chaud
    July 24, 2013

    Well Mr. Carbon is now we go see what is political appointment. Don’t blame the officers too much “Monkey see Monkey barth” quote from House….when the top is corrupt the body crumbles I don’t think you have the balls to clean up the force …step aside and give Mr. Weeks the reigns then and only then we will see a change because weeks follows the bible first and the constitution after……what do you follow? God help us all!

    • By Birth
      July 24, 2013

      Something have to be wrong with you. If you know Daniel you would not make those comments. I don’t think Daniel would hesitate to arrest his mom if he had too. That guy and i went to school together and he is a no nonsense guy. I was surprise when the PM picked him because he don’t cut corners. That brother follows the law.

  38. LCM
    July 24, 2013

    10 years hard labour. Military and Police institutions require stiffer penalties for criminals within. They are responsible for protecting and upholding the law under oath and a breach of that trust can have exponential effect on society

  39. hope
    July 24, 2013

    I believe most of the police force weaknesses stem from its selection/recruiting process. The security of our country cannot be left to just a bunch of young men who have met an academic and physical requirement. Their character must be scrutinized with a fine tooth comb. I remember the honourable men and women who served in this force with such integrity and class! I brazed the hot sun every independence day just to see them match. There are still some left but they are too few in number. This is not an isolated problem; every sector of society is experiencing this: look at the teachers, doctors, nurses that we have today. Our selection and recruitment processes are not effective and must be reviewed; your character must be equally weighty.

    There are still some wonderful police men and women who continue to do this country proud. So all the best in “weeding” out the undesirable but from my experience it will be an uphill battle and it will cost you more than many before you have been willing to sacrifice.

  40. native person
    July 24, 2013

    Clearly the morale of the police force is questionable, never before would one hear of the stealing of ploice weapons guns and bullets, during the last 13 years can you count the number of stealing of guns and ammunitions that have taken place where the police is concerned, this signals that the system of selection of persons joining the service is questionable, not very long we know that certain police officers involved in drugs had to be released from the force due to the same selection process,
    we know that the police service aught to be there to keep the peace, protect lives and property, and to be the costodians of the law, but we are now seeing a poilce service that is corrupt, with strong criminal element, who cares nothing about human life, but potrays themselves as the most organized criminal gang in the state. is it because of the leadership qualities when top leaders can quote” no law no constitution can stop or prevent me” and things like ” go to hell, go to hell, go to hell.)
    Can Dominica now come back to order, do your best top cop for we know when you joined the service it was not so, we will continue to listen.

  41. Anonymous
    July 24, 2013

    The road might be rough and it may seem doomed but continue the hard work mr carbon. We appreciate it!!

  42. IPO
    July 24, 2013

    Matt, carlisle and Lennox challenge you everyday with leaks….its easy to find leaks….give 5 different stories and lets see where these leaks end up…

    On police theft of gun…you need to do like the US….run your operation like the CIA

    SNOWDEN

  43. lisad
    July 24, 2013

    I respect your office sir however listening to you makes me further lose confidence in the police. Why would you publicly disgrace your own force? You have a right to investigate but you are the top cop who should also promote public trust in the police. Deal with these matters internally and be wary of the information given out to the public.

  44. MET YO
    July 24, 2013

    COmmess Commess…that is what political appointments lead to. You were not the best person for the position but they bypass others. . Coast Guard fire..bowdel burn..look police take gun…secko is a free man…and the list goes on..

    Pass by Voter ID and ring the bell

  45. %
    July 24, 2013

    I will always be on record stating that one of our glaring examples of a failed institutions on island is our police force. Many of these officers are bad example/role models of what a typical police officers should be. Drinking,cursing, disrespecting young girls, in bed with drug traffickers, politically biased, and blind,senseless,etc etc etc…
    We still have not gotten a police chief bold and serious enough to take a firm stance against those rogue elements, and through the approved process PURGE THE FORCE.
    WE need a police chief who is politically neutral, who will serve with dignity and let chips fall where they need to fall.
    We have had glaring examples where the police high command could have done more, but chose to “let down the nation” GON EMMANUEL,BIN AND FERTILIZER BOBOL,VILLAS BOBOL”etc etc etc,…….
    Many of the ill-disciplined officers are Parl Rep cops, placed there to be slaves of a political party. Many of them (semi-illiterates) are glaring examples of these rogue elements.
    WE NEED A FEARLESS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, not a slave/puppet to a POLITICAL PARTY, that can pull the carpet from under his/her feet, if he touches an officer with the party’s political colour.
    LET ME END AS I COMMONLY DO by stating that with so many failed institution on island include the police, the country itself is nothing more than A FAILED COUNTRY! A FAILED STATE!
    God knows where or in whose hand this gun will end up, or in whose hands it is in already!

  46. BOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
    July 24, 2013

    buh waittttttttt. A bunch of criminals we have working in dat police station deh man?

    • him
      July 24, 2013

      You didn’t know? PAPA BAT. 98% OF THEM ,men and women should not be there.

  47. John Jay
    July 24, 2013

    Well, when you came in your thought it was a joy ride when you said Am going to weed out the bad COPS but I can say they are right there within your gazzette because before you speck to your men privately it is out of the window within seconds so, start with the BIGS ones first.
    It will not be an easy road for you. Position is something but execution of DUTIES is another one.

    • W
      July 24, 2013

      Soon they will they need to launch a private investigation on you too. Always first to talk yet have so much shit in closet. Ask and I will unreel.

      • Fouchette
        July 26, 2013

        I am asking!!

  48. no wes pay e may
    July 24, 2013

    who is guarding the guard?

  49. ...
    July 24, 2013

    i applaud u MR. CARBON these are exactly the questions to ask n it is true the public would nt feel safe

  50. Missing home
    July 24, 2013

    Who will guard the guards?

  51. Anonymous
    July 24, 2013

    very sad these young greed cops that your hiring is a major mistake.they want to get rich overnight.dominica police force has gone down the pits.

  52. Serving the Public!!
    July 24, 2013

    Oh My!! Police Chief I feel your pain. There is so much to be desired of the conduct of some of your teammates. It is causing your work to be difficult. Have courage Chief and continue to persevere for the peace and safety of all of us. I admire your hard work.

    • %
      July 24, 2013

      A political POLICE CHIEF will not be able to do the job needed to purge the police force of these rogue elements..

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