Police say they have CCTV footage to prove that they did not waste time in going to the aid of Linda Tull who was eventually killed in Oistins last weekend.
They also say officers involved in the matter were “saddened” by the claim that they did not act fast enough, especially since they had done their best.
Tull’s daughter, Kameshia Tull, claimed in another section of the media yesterday that when her mother’s ex-boyfriend Ryan Atwell accosted them in Oistins and she went into the nearby police station screaming for help, none of the officers moved.
The deceased’s daughter said it wasn’t until about 10 minutes later, when she started using expletives, that policemen went to her mother who was already slumped over in her car.
But in a statement, lawmen said it took them less than 30 seconds to respond to her pleas for help and all but one of the officers on duty left with her.
“Acting Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith has ordered an investigation into the statement and accusations . . . As part of the review ordered, a report was received from a senior police officer who was tasked with the investigation, which included a review of the CCTV footage at the Oistins Police Station,” it said.
“This footage showed that Tull entered the station at 23:43:19 and left accompanied by [all] the police officers on duty with the exception of one at 23:43:46. Twenty-seven (27) seconds transpired between the time she arrived and left with police officers. This timely response has been supported by a civilian witness who was at the station, and was independent of the report.
“It is believed that persons who experienced this type of trauma may become so disoriented that their assessment of timeframes could be seriously flawed. The statement which appeared in the Press has saddened the members of the Force especially those directly involved, having given their utmost,” it added.
The police say when the review is completed, appropriate action will be taken where necessary.
“Please be assured the Royal Barbados Police Force will continue to do all in its power to assure the safety of all,” the statement said, as it offered sincere condolences to the members of the Tull family.
Tull died last Friday night after being beaten by Atwell. He later committed suicide by drinking poison.