Male police can search female suspects

UPDATE:

POLICE inspector Sean Sookram of the Court and Process Branch yesterday confirmed that male police officers can conduct searches and arrest female suspects in the absence of their female colleagues and said this was the right of police officers as stated in the provisions of the police service act, the summary courts act and the criminal law act.

At yesterday’s weekly police briefing on Sackville Street, Port of Spain, Sookram sought to address the misconception that women could only be arrested and searched by female police officers and said the legislation made provisions for instances where female constables were not present.

“When we look at these pieces of legislation one finds that no distinction is made between a male police officer and a female police officer arresting anyone, nor is there any distinction made about a male offender or a female offender, the legislation is clear. So to answer the question, according to what is stated in the legislation, nothing prevents a male police officer from arresting a female suspect in the absence of a female police officer.”

Referring to the police service regulations, Sookram added that male officers were also empowered to search female suspects but only once they were placed under arrest and advised all officers to exercise “good sense” and act professionally when carrying out their duties.

“If a female is arrested, once the officers comply with effecting a search, nothing is wrong with that. What is paramount is when effecting that search the officer exercises good sense and maintains the dignity of the person being searched, so the police officer simply ought to be careful, courteous and maintain the dignity of the individual being searched.”

He said while there has not been an increase in complaints by female suspects when being arrested or searched by officers, he said the Police Service remains committed to preventing any misconduct among its officers, adding that there were a number of female officers in task force units within the police service to eliminate any such incidents.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police inspector Sean Sookram of the Court and Process Branch today confirmed that male police officers can conduct searches and arrest of female suspects in the absence of their female colleagues.

He said this was the right of police officers as stated in the provisions of the police service act, the summary courts act and the criminal law act.

Speaking during the police service's weekly media briefing on Sackville Street, Port of Spain, this morning, Sookram sought to address the misconception that female suspects could only be arrested and searched by female police officers.

He said the legislation made provisions for instances where female constables were not present.

Referring to the police service regulations, Sookram added that male officers were also empowered to search female suspects but only once they were placed under arrest and advised all officers to exercise "good sense" and act professionally when carrying out their duties.