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  • 10 months ago
The Police Service is resilient and remains committed to serving this country.


That's the assurance today from the executive of the TTPS, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin, DCP Suzette Martin, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith as the Commissioner Earla Harewood Christopher continues to be quizzed about illegal firearms being approved for the SSA.
Transcript
00:00The Commissioner of Police was arrested in connection with ongoing investigations into
00:04the illegal procurement of firearms.
00:07This, it was explained, may constitute misbehavior in public office.
00:12And even as the investigations continue, the TTPS may look at additional charges.
00:18Despite the arrests of the head of the organization, Deputy Commissioners Martin and Benjamin stated
00:24that the TTPS remains committed to day-to-day operations.
00:30As you are aware, the Commissioner of Police, Ms. Erla Harewood-Christopher, has been arrested
00:36and detained along with ex-SSA Director Roger Best over the past few days.
00:44We understand that this has raised significant public concern and we are committed to providing
00:52as much information as possible while respecting the ongoing investigation.
00:59Martin says the TTPS is working closely with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger
01:04Gaspard, SC, to ensure that due process is followed and that all legal protocols are
01:11observed.
01:12As this investigation is still ongoing and is at a sensitive stage, we are unable to
01:20provide specific details about the nature of the arrests.
01:25It is important that we allow the investigation to unfold without interference.
01:32But even with the Police Commissioner being the subject of an investigation, the TTPS
01:37will continue to operate effectively.
01:39I want to reassure the public that the arrest of the Commissioner of Police does not affect
01:45the day-to-day operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
01:51Our officers remain committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
01:58And the Executive, our Assistant Commissioners of Police, are also here with us today.
02:05And we will continue to function without disruption.
02:09Martin says the safety and security of the public remains the top priority of the TTPS.
02:15She added that the TTPS will provide updates as appropriate, but it must be mindful of
02:20not compromising the ongoing investigations.
02:24The senior officers also confirmed that Christopher had been kept at a police station overnight.
02:29However, they did not wish to disclose which one, noting security concerns.
02:35It was also stated that all of Christopher's constitutional rights as a suspect were being
02:39strictly observed.
02:41When asked about the morale of the TTPS and how its operations will continue without its
02:46head, DCP Benjamin explained that
02:48Even at this time, we have Deputy Commissioners of Police.
02:53Each Deputy Commissioner is given responsibility, and each of those responsibilities totally
03:01compass all that is needed to ensure the effective and efficient working of the police
03:06service.
03:08In the interim, he says that the TTPS will be awaiting the Police Service Commission
03:12to give further directions in terms of the leadership.
03:15It was also noted that the ACPs will be aiding with the ongoing operations of the organization.
03:21Speaking briefly to the media after the press conference, Martin was asked how she felt
03:26about questioning a fellow colleague.
03:28It's not a nice feeling, Martin said.
03:30Alexander Broussaul, TV6 News.
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