The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently facing a lawsuit following a series of brutal and unprovoked police attacks on Kenton Harris, a man suffering from chronic psychiatric challenges.
In response to the public outcry, Deputy Police Commissioner Trevor Bailey stated that the investigation into the matter has not been swept under the rug.
He explained that an assistant Superintendent of Police is leading a very thorough inquiry into the incidents. As part of this process, the investigating officer was scheduled to meet with Crown Counsel at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to discuss the findings.
Bailey acknowledged that the public has already seen the video of the incident and expressed his desire for the results of the investigation to be made known to the nation.
The lawsuit, filed under the Crown Proceedings Act, seeks damages for assault, battery, negligence, and misfeasance in public office, citing a blatant breach of constitutional rights regarding protection from inhumane treatment.
Attorney Carlos James at a press conference in June emphasized that while many officers serve with distinction, the few responsible for such conduct must be held accountable to protect the reputation of the force.
He further argued that there is a grave national need for a radical shift in how law enforcement handles citizens with mental health issues, specifically regarding a lack of specialized training.
Deputy Commissioner Bailey echoed the need for change, emphasizing that police leadership wants such incidents to stop. He reflected on the impact of misconduct, noting that officers must remember they are dealing with human beings and that such treatment can cause the community to develop a negative opinion of law enforcement.
The legal team has requested the state preserve evidence, including station custody records and surveillance footage from the Kingstown Central Police Station. If no settlement proposal is reached within the statutory timeframe, the matter is expected to proceed to the High Court of Justice.
James, representing Harris through his mother Anesta Harris Robinson, has described the incident as one of the worst cases of abuse of power seen in the country.
The legal claim details three separate encounters in 2026, including an alleged attack on March 11 that resulted in a fractured arm, a viral social media video of an attack on May 21, and further abuse in a holding cell on May 24.
Following these events, Harris’s mental and physical state deteriorated so significantly that he required admission to a mental health facility and treatment for emergency orthopedic injuries.
