Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood Christopher, yesterday presided over the promotion of 25 police officers in a ceremony held at the Solomon Mc McLeod Lecture Theatre, Police Administrative Building, Port of Spain.
Four officers were promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police and 21 to the rank of Superintendent of Police.
In her address, the CoP congratulated the officers stating that the promotion underscores a realistic expectation, that as the proverbial “Cream of the Crop”, you will deliver and excel in your new ranks.
She reminded the officers, “ascending in the ranks means that you are advancing in your career, but it also means that the organization is readying itself to perform at its very best, that it will realise its fullest potential, and fulfil its mandate, to the satisfaction of the population. In a very real sense, by our work we breathe the aspirations of the people that we are sworn to protect and serve.”
Commissioner Harewood- Christopher shared, “while we congratulate you, and celebrate your success, there is an important message that must not be lost on the occasion, and that message is simply that this moment is as much about you as it is about the organization, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.”
The CoP also reminded the officers that to whom much is given, much is required. She further stated, “Today it is as much my pleasure, as it is my duty to let you know that as you occupy a higher rank, your level of responsibility and leadership must be commensurate with that higher position. You cannot assume a higher rank and not understand the more onerous role you must play. You cannot ascend the ranks, but assume diminished responsibility.”
“Today you move into very senior ranks. Ranks where you must lead and do so with utmost integrity. Every one of you must rapidly get to the point where you assume personal responsibility for doing what needs to be done, working as if the success of the TTPS depended on you alone. When it comes to your work, you must own it, you must love it, and you must be determined to deliver the results that are expected”, added CoP Harewood-Christopher.
She told the newly promoted officers that their promotion is happening at a critical and opportune time for the TTPS, as the country is facing an unacceptable wave of lawlessness which is presenting an unprecedented challenge for the TTPS. She further stated, “perhaps, just perhaps, maybe you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this”.
Commissioner Harewood-Christopher further stated, “Your promotion creates the expectation and provides the opportunity, that in your higher position you will make a difference. The organisation is depending on you to make that difference”.
She continued, “The TTPS is relying on you to be a part of a new era that is defined by vastly improved standards of performance, integrity and service. While the public demands it of us, we must demand it of ourselves.
We must by example, build the ethos of a disciplined organization where officers will be deserving custodians of the public’s trust and confidence. We must preserve our integrity and maintain our legitimacy ridding the TTPS of errant officers bent on bringing the organization into disrepute”.
Commissioner Christopher also challenged the officers to commit themselves to their new and higher responsibilities and to exemplify ethical leadership to every officer they have the opportunity to influence.
Also present were DCPs Junior Benjamin, Natasha George and Suzette Martin as well as ASP Ag) Ishmael Pitt, Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association and members of the police executive.