Police commissioner goes head-to-head with Senator over speeding arrest

Mr. Dunkley said the decision to arrest football coach Keishon Smith and hold him in custody overnight for an outstanding speeding warrant “defied common sense”.

Mr. Smith claimed he paid his speeding fine.

But yesterday Commissioner Michael DeSilva said that while he paid a fine in 2006, the arrest related to a charge from 2005, which he failed to appear in court for, so a warrant was issued.

Mr. DeSilva branded Mr. Dunkley’s comments blasting the arrest as “unwarranted, unhelpful and unfair”. He added: “I am disappointed by the public statements from Senator Michael Dunkley that appear in today’s [Thursday’s] media.

“His comments stem from a series of misrepresentations and a version of events that is not true.

“As such his criticism of the police service is unwarranted, unhelpful and unfair.

“Despite Mr. Dunkley’s broadside against the police and his links between speeding tickets and investigating serious crimes, my officers acted appropriately, correctly and as prescribed by law.

“They did exactly what I expect them to do and it was important that I take the time to set the record straight for the public’s benefit.”

Last night, Mr. Dunkley stood by his comments about the arrest.

He said: “It is unfortunate that the police consider my comments a ‘broadside’ against them.  

“I have, and will continue to be, supportive of them when appropriate. “However, I will not shy from offering comments on matters that need attention.

“It is still my opinion that this matter was handled poorly.

“If this is how outstanding speeding tickets are handled then we do indeed have serious issues that need to be addressed and improved as we work with the police to combat the high levels of crime and gun violence in our community.”