Sloppy work by Police officers is causing the Crown problems in Magistrates' Court, Director of Public Prosecutions Khamisi Tokunbo said yesterday.

He told the Commission on Serious Crimes that relations between the Crown and Police were above average when it came to serious crime investigation.

But with minor crimes at Magistrates' Court "we are combating the problems associated with poorly prepared files, lost files, inexperienced and non-committed Police officers, failure to warn witnesses, and the non-attendance of Police officers for trial.

"In some instances relations between Crown counsel and Police officers require some improvement.'' He also complained of a "lack of discipline and loyalty'' within the Police resulting in leaks about investigations or trials in process to the press or defence counsel.

Mr. Tokunbo said there was a "strong suspicion'' that some Police officers are "supplying their friends'' in the defence bar with clients in Police custody.

"This is being done by referring arrested persons to selected defence counsel or by tipping off selected counsel about persons who are in Police custody.

"Another concern is the clear lack of internal discipline within the service.

It appears that some officers of senior rank rarely have any real influence or control over their subordinates.

"One fact contributing to this may be the rotating roles played by officers at the helm. It is questionable whether the recent decision to decentralise management and operational functions is working effectively.'' Mr. Tokunbo said he was concerned about a lack of communication between the scenes of crime office and the Government analyst, who examines crime scene samples.

"This has led to problems with the decisions and methods adopted when sending exhibits abroad. Questions about continuity and security of exhibits have arisen.

"The length of time obtaining results has also become adversely affected.

These concerns have been communicated in writing to the Commissioner and his senior officers.'' Mr. Tokunbo said he intended to halt the temptation of Crown counsel to plea bargain with the defence and is drawing up a protocol for prosecutors.

He said prior to December 1998 Crown counsel had little interest in initiating or come to deals with the defence.

"This practice and restraint appears to have been eroding over the last 12 to 15 months. I intend to arrest it.'' MURDER MUR CRIME CRM