ABOUT 35 taxi operators yesterday demonstrated outside the Office of the Commissioner of Police on Old Hope Road in Kingston, claiming they were being victimised by the police.

The taxi operators alleged that since the arrest last week of Corporal Richard “Pampers” Simpson, who was allegedly caught taking a bribe last Thursday, traffic police have been arresting even those operators who have been operating within the law.

Superintendent Talbert Whyte later met with the protesting taximen.

“They say that even with three people (passengers), vehicles are seized, and they have to wait a month to go to court. They are very bitter about that,” said Whyte.

He, however, advised the taxi operators make a report to the Professional Standards Branch.

“All of these allegations have to be investigated. It may have happened, but we need to let the department that deals with it investigate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Taxi driver Basil Webster claimed that his vehicle, which was carrying three passengers, was seized by police in front of the Spencer James taxi stand.

“In no time at all (an officer) hold on mi driver’s key and say ‘yuh gone now,” said Webster.

The arresting officer, Webster claimed, returned the fare the passengers had paid and told them to get out of the vehicle.

Another taxi operator charged that police officers were working in collusion with gang members who routinely insist on payments from cab drivers in exchange for a “hassle-free existence”.

“Them (police) pressure we so much we can’t bear it no more,” said the taxi operator, who refused to give his name. “Fi dem taxi untouchable! Dem man can operate free,” he said.

In the meantime, Corporal Simpson, who had shot himself in the groin when he was held by officers, was released from hospital into police custody.