Grenada Today - The National Newspaper of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

Another member of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) is facing criminal charges as the island’s new Chief cop, Winston James attempts to deal with corrupt law-enforcement officers.

The latest to be hauled before court is Corporal of Police, Joel Horsford who appeared before Chief Magistrate, Patricia Mark last week Friday. Cpl. Hosford was arrested and formally charged with six counts of stealing by reason of employment monies belonging to the force over a period of time.

The junior officer was granted bail in the sum of EC$750,000.00 with two sureties. He is being represented by Barristers at law Anslem Clouden and Dr. Francis Alexis.

The apprehension of Horsford is as a result of an investigation ordered by Acting Commissioner James into the operations of the Finance/Accounts Department at Police Headquarters, Fort George. The Commissioner instructed the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to thoroughly investigate the entire department with a special focus on the areas of procurement and accounts payable, inclusive of salaries, commissions and allowances.

Hosford faces charges for the misappropriation of funds to the sum of EC $743,230.90 during the period of April 2001 and July 2005. The Office of the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate suspension of the junior officer from the force pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.

The Accounts/Finance Department is responsible for all the financial operations of RGPF and falls under the Administrative arm of the force. According to sources, the investigation was triggered by inconsistencies with the payment of salaries and allowances of police officers. Horsford was enlisted in the force on December 6, 1993.

During the first day of hearing, barrister Clouden said that the defense will be calling witnesses from inside the force to aid his client. Clouden was adamant that Horsford alone could not have pulled off this act and as such those in hiding must come forward.

The lawyer labelled the upcoming trial of the police officer as the trial of the century, one in which the entire police force would be put on trial. The trial, he said will unearth a great many hidden secrets within the police force.

Clouden suggested that the State will have to put at the disposal of the defense, the necessary funds to carry out a forensic investigation into how this unfortunate mishap developed and was exposed.

Clouden requested from Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP), Christopher Nelson a complete disclosure of documents used and unused relating to the case. Nelson promised to respond to Clouden’s request and also told the court that the State intends to call a number of witnesses including former Acting Police Commissioner, Fitzroy Bedeau and the former deputy Police Commissioner, James Clarkson.

One of the conditions set by Magistrate Park in granting Horsford bail is that he appear at the Grenville Police Force every Monday, Wednesday and Friday twice daily. He was also asked to surrender all travel documents including his national ID card and his driver’s license.

Horsford is the second member of RGPF to be formally arrested and charged in the past two weeks for criminal activities within the force. The other is Joseph Tillock who is attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) main office in St. George’s.

Tillock was charged on two counts of Possession of Firearm, two counts of Possession of Ammunition; and Housebreaking and Stealing. He was granted bail by High Court Judge Davidson Baptiste in the sum of $30,000 with two sureties. Tillock is due to make his next court appearance next week Tuesday.