Police deny 'blank detention order' claim

The Police High Command has denied claims that it has been presenting blank detention orders before the Emergency Powers Review Tribunal.

In reaction to a report in yesterday's Gleaner, citing lawyers who voiced concern about what they said were blank detention orders, the high command declared there are standard operating procedures that must be adhered to in dealing with detainees under the state of emergency.

The police said issuing blank detention orders was not among those procedures.

The tribunal has been hearing the objections of people detained under the current state of emergency.

Based on the arguments presented by the police and the detainees, the three-member panel may recommend that the national security minister release those detained.

According to the high command, detainees are advised about their arrest at every step of the way.

"In the initial 24 hours of detention, each detainee is served with a written notice advising him/her of the reason/s for the detention," the high command said.

"In the event that there is a need to keep the detainee beyond the initial 24-hour period, then the detention is extended for an additional five days. Another written notice is then given to the detainee, this time advising that the initial 24 hours of detention is extended for an additional five days."