CoP reviews report on dismissal of charges against 7 officers amid public outcry
Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher is reviewing a preliminary report on the dismissal of corruption charges against seven police officers, vowing swift action as public outcry mounts over what many have described as a systemic failure in law enforcement and the justice system.
Speaking through head of Corporate Communications Joanne Archie, Harewood-Christopher confirmed on Wednesday night that she has requested additional reports on the matter and will meet with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, to discuss the issue.
“I have requested additional reports on this recent development and will provide a response in due course,” she stated.
On Monday, Master Sarah De Silva dismissed charges against the officers, citing prosecutorial failures, including the absence of witnesses, missing evidence, and non-compliance with court procedures. The officers had been charged in April 2023 following allegations of corruption against a Sangre Grande businessman during an operation targeting illegal gambling establishments.
A viral video purportedly showing officers seizing cash during the operation had sparked public outcry, but defence attorneys argued the investigation was incomplete and lacked substantive evidence.
Defence attorney Ulric Skerrit, representing one of the officers, sharply criticised the handling of the case, describing the outcome as inevitable. “Nothing was disclosed to the defence or the court. Until the police get their act together, these dismissals will continue,” Skerrit said.
One of the accused officers, speaking anonymously, described the ordeal as deeply disheartening. “I feel betrayed by the system I swore to serve. Imagine being a dedicated officer and finding yourself behind bars for seven days. I still can’t fully process it.”
The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has launched an investigation into this case and others, citing procedural failures as a recurring issue. According to the PCA, 12 officers have been discharged from cases this week due to lapses such as failing to appear in court or comply with directives. In a statement, the PCA criticised the TTPS for its handling of serious criminal matters.
Attorney: DPP must be held accountable
Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland distanced the ministry from the legal failures, stressing that prosecutions fall under the DPP’s purview. However, Scotland emphasised ongoing reforms to improve police efficiency.
“We are working on a comprehensive training programme for police officers who act as complainants and prosecutors to ensure more effective representation in court,” he said on Wednesday while declining to comment on the specifics of the dismissed case.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, who oversaw the initial probe, stated that the case remains under review. “We need to examine the court report and the PSB findings before determining the next steps,” she said.
Senior attorney Jeron Joseph, who formerly worked at the Director of Public Prosecutions office, called the collapse of the case a “travesty of justice” and a blow to public confidence in the justice system. He criticised both the TTPS and the DPP for their roles in the debacle.
“This outcome highlights a glaring breakdown in accountability and operational efficiency. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” Joseph said, calling for disciplinary action against those responsible.
Joseph also questioned the DPP’s decision not to assign state counsel to manage the prosecution. “Expecting the police to handle a case against their own is imprudent, as it risks bias and conflicts of interest,” he said, adding that the DPP must be held accountable for the failure to safeguard the integrity of the case.
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