President of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA), Assistant Superintendent of Police Gideon Dickson, said the investigation leading to the arrest and eventual release of Erla Harewood-Christopher could have been handled better.
Despite this, he said the Association maintains confidence in the leadership of the TTPS.
ASP Gideon Dickson made the statement during a Press Conference at the Association headquarters.
“The Association has confidence in all our office holders, including Mrs. Erla Christopher and the last joined Constable who would have entered the organisation. We have confidence in all office holders.”
Regarding the criminal probe which saw the arrest, detainment and now release of Erla Harewood Christopher, ASP Dickson expressed the Association’s displeasure with the handling of the investigation.
“The investigation, and how it unfold in the public domain, was not the best for the image of the organisation. It’s not the best in an SOE. It’s not the best as law enforcement.”
TTPSSWA Secretary, Natalie John, said the Association discussed and listed some recommendations, which will be elevated to the management of the TTPS in the event of a situation like this re-occurring.
“We believe there must be clear guidelines, clear Standard Operating Procedures for communicating and managing matters of this nature. We also believe that at no time the office be brought into disrepute and the independence of the Service Commission must be engaged and activated in a timely manner for the necessary actions to be taken and therefore the law regarding the selection and appointment for both substantive and active appointment of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners should reside in the independent institution of the Police Service Commission to avoid any perception of political interference.”
The Association President is confident that despite the negativity about and surrounding the Police Service, his members remain committed to the job.
Mrs. Harewood Christopher was released on Saturday following her arrest and detainment two days prior. She was questioned in connection with the procurement of the importation of two high-powered rifles for Strategic Services Agency agents.