by Jerome Pinder
On April 27th2011, Debbie Krukowski, highlighted the dangerous manner in which prisoners are transported back and forth to Court and the risk placed on the travelling public. Her letter covered a police cruiser colliding with a vehicle driven by a Tourist, after the cruiser failed to slow down at the intersection of the PI Bridge. Please see her letter here.
On the 17th March 2011, a friend who was travelling on East Bay Street and stopped at the light by the eastern bridge also saw the approaching lights of a police cruiser followed by the yellow bus. They pulled over as far as possible, however, the bus still hit and damaged the side of their vehicle. Neither the bus, nor any of the escorting vehicles stopped at the scene. As a result, the driver made a report at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station that afternoon. They were advised by the Police Force that contact would be made when a police report was completed, however, to date no such contact has occurred???
I understand the challenges faced by our Police Force. The job of escorting prisoners back and forth to court everyday is an enormous one, especially on our overcrowded streets and in rush hour traffic. I have to assume that given the situation at the courts, the option is not available to transport the prisoners prior to rush hour traffic. In addition, I understand that the prisoners need to arrive back at H.M. Prison by a certain deadline.
Despite the above, the current practice remains a dangerous one for the public. We should not have our lives or property put at risk to accommodate the prisoners. They should have to accommodate us! If there is a potential risk of prisoners escaping due to the convoy slowing down or stopping, then these prisoners need to be shackled at the feet when they board the bus. As I understand, high profile prisoners are transported separate, and therefore, the risk of an outside attack on the bus should be minimal. However, if this risk is prevalent, then more protection needs to be added to the convoy, with the Police Force authorized to shoot down anyone that threatens the security of the bus.
The alarms have been sounded on many occasions, with regards to the speed in which the bus travels and the risk to the general public. The above are two recent incidences.
I would suggest this matter be addressed by the Authorities before someone is killed.
