(Castries, Saint Lucia – June 19, 2025) In response to widespread criticism about the alleged misuse of authority by traffic officers, Superintendent Troy Lamontagne has confirmed that actions captured in two viral videos circulating online “deviated” from standard police procedures and principles of professional conduct. The videos, which show officers confronting members of the public, have sparked public outrage and calls for accountability.
Superintendent Lamontagne, who heads the Department of Road Safety and Traffic Investigations, said he became aware of the videos on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, and immediately ordered internal investigations into the incidents. He received initial briefings the following day and confirmed that the actions taken by the officers involved raised serious concerns.
“Without prejudice to the internal investigation or any other judicial inquiry that may result from the events, I wish to state that the officers’ actions deviated from police procedures and the general principles of professional conduct and human rights,” he stated.
One of the incidents reportedly involved the impounding of a vehicle over tinted windows. Lamontagne clarified that a breach of Section 23 of the Driving Code—which limits front windscreen tinting to 8 inches—is not, by itself, legal grounds for impounding a vehicle.
While acknowledging officer misconduct, Lamontagne reminded the public that law enforcement has a duty to uphold all laws, including those governing road safety, and that the public shares a responsibility to comply with lawful instructions. “Whilst police officers have a duty to behave professionally and exercise diligence in the execution of our duties, the public also has a responsibility to comply with all lawful directions given by the police,” he said.
He encouraged individuals who believe they were treated unfairly to use proper channels to seek redress—whether through informal complaints, the Police Complaints Commission, or the court system.
The Superintendent also issued a firm warning to anyone considering retaliation against police officers. “For the persons out there who have expressed criminal intent or are contemplating criminal acts against police officers who report to work daily to try to do their jobs… be warned—erase that criminal intent, lest you wish to face a lawful force that you have not heard of or seen before.”
Lamontagne concluded by reassuring the public that professionalism, transparency, and public safety remain priorities for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. “We value professionalism and partnership with the community and remain committed to providing a professional community policing service, crime reduction, and improved road safety for everyone.”
Investigations into both incidents remain active, with updates expected in due course.
