Statement by Superintendent Troy E. Lamontagne, Head of the Department of Road Safety and Traffic Investigations:

Over the past few days, you may have viewed or heard about two videos circulating on social media depicting police officers attached to the Department of Road Safety reacting to situations involving members of the public. These videos came to my knowledge on Tuesday 18th June 2025. I immediately directed that an internal investigation be initiated to establish the facts of what transpired from the perspective of the officers involved. Although the internal investigations are ongoing, I was provided with briefs on the two matters on the afternoon of Wednesday 18th June 2025. Without prejudice to the internal investigation or any other judicial inquiry that may result from the events, I wish to state that the officers’ actions deviated from police procedures and the general principles of professional conduct and human rights. In keeping with the Laws of Saint Lucia and Force procedure, the matters continue to be investigated.

A contravention of the section 23 of the Driving Code, which relates to front windscreens tinted beyond the 8-inch limit, on its own, is not an infraction for which duly registered motor vehicles can be impounded.

I also wish to advise the public that police officers have a duty to observe and enforce all laws, with which we are charged including violations of the traffic laws. Whilst police officers have a duty to behave professionally and exercise diligence in the execution of our duties, the public also has a responsibility to comply with all lawful directions given by the police. In instances where one believes that police actions are inappropriate or unlawful, the law provides avenues to seek redress, whether through informal procedures, the Police Complaints Commission, or a judicial process.

For the persons out there who have expressed criminal intent or are contemplating criminal acts against police officers who report to work daily to try to do their jobs and carry out their sworn duty and sometimes make mistakes, be warned – erase that criminal intent, lest you wish to face a lawful force that you have not heard of or seen before.

I wish to reassure the public that your security is paramount to us. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force values professionalism and partnership with the community and remains committed to providing a professional community policing service, crime reduction, and improved road safety for everyone.