The Police Complaints Authority is investigating the recent collapse of two court cases involving 12 police officers.

In one instance the case against seven officers was dismissed after the prosecutor failed to attend the court hearing, while in the second instance a case involving five officers was dismissed after repeated non-compliance by the prosecution regarding orders given by the court.

In its statement the PCA said, “Twelve officers were reportedly discharged because the rules of court procedure were not followed, there were no prosecution witnesses and evidence was not produced by the police to the court. The Professional Standards Bureau had conduct of these high profile and serious criminal matters. This follows several referrals for discipline and repeated pieces of advice by the PCA to the Commissioner of Police over the past thirteen (13) years.”

It adds, “These investigations refer to matters where police complainants fail to attend court, fail to comply with the court’s directives and fail to comply with their own standing orders. As a result, the PCA has submitted to the investigative and legal units of the PCA for immediate action.”