NASSAU, BAHAMAS A set of young men said they have lost trust in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) in light of recent police brutality incidents.<\/p>\n
This comes after a string of police-involved shootings and reports of police using excessive force across the island inundated headlines over the past several weeks.<\/p>\n
22-year-old Uriah Ferguson said: When it comes to police brutality, its so bad right now. No one trusts the police.<\/p>\n
Ferguson, who lives in an inner-city community, claimed that when his neighbors see the police, they get angry because [police] only coming to terrorize us.<\/p>\n
He told Eyewitness News he has witnessed police take advantage of their power.<\/p>\n
When it comes to police brutality, I dont even think they could fix that, to be honest, Ferguson said.<\/p>\n
To be honest, I just is stay inside because of that. Id stay inside and to stay out of people way, because when we see these police, we try our best to avoid them.<\/p>\n
They would say: Why you running? You gat something? No, we running because the minute yall come to us its where the half-pound; where the quarter ounce? and they lock you up even when you dont have nothing.<\/p>\n
Instances such as these have made young men fearful of the people who are supposed to protect them, Ferguson said.<\/p>\n
When asked if he trusts the police, a 19-year-old who wished to be referred to as Del said: Thinking about last year, not as much.<\/p>\n
The teen noted that although he hasnt been a victim of police brutality, he knows people who have.<\/p>\n
He said that police in The Bahamas have become a replica of police in The United States, adding that the death of George Floyd still has him shaken to this day.<\/p>\n
Knowing that he could be beaten or possibly shot by police is something Del admitted he is afraid of.<\/p>\n
Just knowing I could get stop any time of the day because somebody falsely reported a crime against me, knowing its something I didnt do, scares me, the teen said.<\/p>\n
Three young men on March 8 were not as lucky as Del to be free from police, however, as they were detained at the Arawak Cay Police Station.<\/p>\n
In an audio recording allegedly of the incident, the distinct sound of slapping rings out as a man says: You know who I is? My name is Derrick Ferguson, assistant superintendent of police. You hear me? Put your hands down. Look at me. Look at me.<\/p>\n
Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle has said the incident is being investigated and the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation.<\/p>\n
He noted that he has been making efforts to improve the organizations image and that he will continue to do so.<\/p>\n
The three young men, aged 19, 23 and 26, decided to take legal action after filing a complaint with the police.<\/p>\n
To help mend issues such as this, Del said: Maybe police should start going to schools and get to know the men of The Bahamas.<\/p>\n
If we work together and get to know each other, it could lower the fear many have and build back the trust in police.<\/p>\n
Written by Eyewitness News Intern Devont Hanna<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See more here: <\/p>\n
THEY ONLY TERRORIZE US: Some young Bahamian men losing trust in RBPF in light of police brutality claims - EyeWitness News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NASSAU, BAHAMAS A set of young men said they have lost trust in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) in light of recent police brutality incidents. This comes after a string of police-involved shootings and reports of police using excessive force across the island inundated headlines over the past several weeks Continue reading