Trinidad's police commissioner sent on leave

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad’s Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher was on Wednesday sent on 66 days leave, 48 hours after she returned to her desk following the decision by Director of Public Prosecution Roger Gaspard SC that there was “no realistic prospect” of her being convicted for the offence of misbehaviour in public office “or for any other offence”.

A statement from the Ministry of Homeland Security said that based on advice from the Office of the Attorney General, Junior Benjamin, who had been appointed by Parliament to act as Police Commissioner on February 6, this year, would “continue until the Ministry is advised by the Police Service Commission of a change in this status.

“The Ministry has not been advised of a change in this status,” it said, adding that Harewood-Christopher, “has accrued 66 days of vacation leave and she has been informed to proceed on leave with effect from today.

“The work of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues uninterrupted under the stewardship of the Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mr Junior Benjamin,” the statement said.

On Monday, the lawyer representing Harewood-Christopher said she had advised her client to appeal a High Court judge's ruling that her suspension by the Police Service Commission (PSC) was lawful, reasonable, and proportionate.

In dismissing the legal challenge to suspend her, Justice Christopher Sieuchand found that the PSC acted within its authority when it suspended Harewood-Christopher on January 31 this year amid a police investigation into the procurement of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

Harewood-Christopher, whose tenure as the top cop comes to an end on May 15, after two previous extensions, had contested the legality of the suspension, but the High Court upheld the PSC’s decision, finding it neither irrational nor illegal.

Harewood-Christopher was arrested on January 30 at her office as investigations continue into the importation of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

Senior Counsel Pamela Elder, who confirmed that her client had returned to her substantive post on Monday, said she had advised her to appeal the High Court ruling.

She said what is also being considered is “civil action being brought against the persons responsible for the arrest of the commissioner.”

In its statement, the Ministry of Homeland Security said it “wishes to formally acknowledge and commend Mrs Erla Harewood-Christopher for her exemplary service spanning over four decades with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

“Her dedication and leadership have significantly contributed to the advancement of the service and the enhancement of public safety in our nation.”

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