The Barbados Bar Association (BBA) is calling for “swift and strong action” to immediately address what it says are issues affecting the rights of persons in police custody.
In a statement, the BBA said this includes protocols governing the conduct of attorneys’ confidential communication with accused persons.
It said its call comes against reports of an “alarming complaint” it had received of an incident on February 4 at a police station involving a suspected recording of a private conversation between an attorney and her client.
“A person in custody has a constitutional right to legal counsel, and that consultation is governed by principles of attorney-client privilege. While the association is informed that the matter is currently under investigation, we urge that the investigation be completed with dispatch, and the results be made known in the coming days,” the BBA added.
It said there should be a dedicated meeting room which must be fully private, must be cleared of all items and only contain a desk and seating, and attorneys must be afforded an opportunity to inspect the room prior to conducting an interview.
“In the past, our members have repeatedly raised a number of issues affecting the rights of persons in police custody. The time has come for stakeholders to work together to address these issues, not in a reactionary manner, but address them in their totality.
“These and other steps can and must be immediately implemented to begin to restore what could be seen as a serious breach in trust, confidentiality and the fair and due process of the law,” the BBA said, adding it will await the results of the investigation before making any further comment.
The police have not responded to the BBA statement.
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