NPS Explains Fate of Officers on Duty After Deaths in Police Custody

Jukwaa

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, NPS said investigations into any such death will begin immediately, with officers on duty being treated as persons of interest.

“Where a suspect dies while in police custody, full investigations shall be instituted without delay, in accordance with the Constitution, relevant legislation, and established investigative protocols. Due process will be observed at every stage, including the taking of interdiction measures where appropriate,” the statement read.

The service said the investigations will be thorough, impartial and based on available evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding each death.

📌 What You Need to Know

In a directive on Wednesday, Kanja had stated that the Occurrence Book recorder, cell sentry and duty officer should be interdicted immediately whenever a death occurs in police cells, however, NPS did not name these officers in its statement.

NPS explained that interdiction is intended to promote accountability, safeguard evidence and protect the integrity of the investigation while it is ongoing.

The Service said officers facing interdiction would remain subject to due process as investigators establish whether they bear responsibility for what happened.

Where an officer is found culpable, the NPS said appropriate action will be taken under both the law and its internal disciplinary framework.

“Should any police officer be found culpable during the course of such investigations, immediate and decisive action will be taken. The officer concerned will be held fully accountable both under the law and through the Service’s internal disciplinary procedures,” the statement added.

Kanja had issued his directive during a sensitisation meeting on the new Service Standing Orders and police reforms attended by regional police commanders at the National Police Leadership Academy.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke

0 0