Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has reiterated his call for the creation of a Police Accountability Board, emphasizing the urgent need to address transparency issues and restore public confidence in law enforcement. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett highlighted the growing concern over unresolved cases and the lack of clear communication with affected families, which he argued is eroding trust in the justice system.
Burnett pointed out that many families are left in the dark for months or even years, unsure whether investigations into serious crimes, including suspicious deaths, are being actively pursued. This silence, he noted, not only exacerbates the suffering of victims’ relatives but also fosters an environment ripe for rumors and speculation, further damaging the relationship between the public and the police.
He stressed that while frontline officers often face resource constraints, accountability must extend to higher levels of command. Burnett proposed that an independent Police Accountability Board could serve as a crucial oversight mechanism, ensuring that investigations are conducted transparently and efficiently. Such a body, he argued, would provide much-needed assurance to the public that cases are being handled with integrity and diligence.
Burnett’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on crime and governance, where panelists linked rising violence to systemic failures in planning and coordination. His intervention underscored the human impact of these issues, drawing attention to the plight of families who have been left waiting for answers.
For Burnett, the establishment of a Police Accountability Board is not merely about oversight—it is a vital step toward rebuilding public trust. ‘Accountability has to start from the top and flow through all levels,’ he asserted, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsiveness in addressing public concerns.