Imbert in shock as case against 7 Grande police officers collapses
Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
Shock, concern and embarrassment linger among government officials after corruption charges against seven police officers were dropped.
It comes two days after Master Sarah De Silva dismissed charges laid 18 months ago against Eastern Division officers—ranging from Inspector to Special Reserve Police (SRP)—following an investigation into a video in which they were allegedly “extorting” a Sangre Grande businessman.
Speaking about the issue yesterday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert expressed shock, less so because the case was dismissed but rather because of the reason behind it.
Calling out Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla Harewood-Christopher at the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS) headquarters in Aranguez yesterday, Imbert said, “I’m not throwing a dig at you, Madam Commissioner, but when I read that story about the case being thrown out because nobody showed up or they didn’t present a proper defence or a proper prosecution, I was quite shocked.”
Also expressing concern over the verdict of the case yesterday, Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland does not believe the officers have been exonerated yet, as the State had options that it could pursue.
He also shared his disappointment in the lack of evidence presented.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, Scotland said the State has two options. He said, “The powers that be who are in charge of the prosecution, they have two options. One is to appeal, and the other is to reinstate it and relay the charges. I’m not purporting to give advice, but they would know what they have to do.
“All is not lost. But, it is still not a good fit when these things happen. It doesn’t do anyone any justice. The men are charged because the public would want them to have a day in court and that did not happen in this instance … This is not the first time that this has happened, but it has gained the attention of the media because of who is involved, and it creates too many questions.”
Meanwhile, responding to Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal’s call for an investigation into the circumstances which led to the dismissal of the charges, Scotland said he did not believe a probe is the ultimate solution.
Scotland added, “An inquiry may unearth something but what about the officers who are charged? That does not address the issue. My main focus will be to rectify this situation and let the people involved pursue the options that will bring a proper process of closure because this was not a proper process of closure. No evidence was taken. The charges were never ventilated, and I think that is my main focus.” Asked if he was embarrassed by the present outcome and Imbert’s comments, he said, “Me? Embarrassed? Umm, no. If I’m embarrassed, I would be embarrassed for the police officers and the persons who were there, the prosecutors, the police complainant.”
But while he was not embarrassed, Harewood-Christopher told Guardian Media exclusively that she was affected by Imbert’s remarks. Harewood-Christopher, who encouraged the public not to lose trust in her officers, revealed she has asked for a full report into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Harewood-Christopher said, “It will always affect you even if he made the remarks in jest as he said he did, but that is a fact. I strive to have an efficient service, officers with integrity. So, if we are not delivering, as required, it will affect you … The public should not lose confidence in the police service. Why? Because they were exonerated? What about the fact that the police are ensuring we take action against reports of corruption in the service?
“I am not fully apprised of the issue. I have asked for a report. When I return to the office, I should have a report.”
However, when Guardian Media reached out to the CoP late yesterday for an update on said report, we received no response on the matter. Asked about one of the seven officers claiming his innocence and calling the entire situation a “betrayal”, her response to this was also futile. When asked earlier about the next step for the officers, both Harewood-Christopher and Scotland could not give a clear answer.
The top cop said, “All that will be investigated. You have criminal offences, you have disciplinary offences.” Scotland added, “They were discharged and until the charges are reinstated, they remain so.”
Officers charged
The eastern division officers were charged on April 24 2023.
Inspector Dayal Ramlakhan, Acting corporal Shaheed Khan, Police constable Davanan Ragbir were charged with misbehaviour in public office for allegedly corruptly appropriating $27,693 seized during the operation.
Ramlakhan, Police Constable Macai Joseph and Special Reserve Police (SRP) Cleon Smith were charged with misbehaviour in public office for allegedly appropriating $12,297.
Joseph and Smith were also charged with conspiring to pervert the course of public justice by knowingly making false written statements to implicate a victim in an illegal gaming house operation.
Ramlakhan, Ragbir, Smith and SRP Rayon Charles faced charges for allegedly appropriating $38,500 during the same operation.
Ragbir and Smith were further accused of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
Additionally, Ramlakhan, Police Constable Jason O’Souna and Smith were charged with misbehaviour in public office for allegedly appropriating $11,339.
Smith faced a separate charge of perverting the course of public justice by knowingly making false statements.
MTS to help TTPS
Yesterday, Scotland also suggested collaboration between the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and private security companies to assist police officers with their workload.
He said “vetted security” from MTS can free up police so that the TTPS can focus on crime prevention. Scotland suggested MTS officers could guard government buildings and detention facilities, transport prisoners to court, and even serve warrants.
He added, “There are many functions that are currently performed by police personnel that are not directly related to crime prevention and investigation and the combatting of crime. These support functions impact upon the efficient utilisation of trained police officers and resources. Could those services not be delegated to vetted and trained security companies in order to put police more on the ground where they can make a greater impact? That is something for consideration.
“For example, the guarding of government buildings. Why is it necessary to have a police officer guard a government building even if there is some senstitive information? Can’t there be a cadre of private security personnel, properly trained, properly vetted, who can do that? The guarding of detention facilities, the taking of prisoners to court … “Persons who may have warrants to be served on them. Are those things that are employing the police in a meaningful and effective way? Some of these suggestions, however, will have legal implications and might be difficult to implement without the necessary legislative amendment, but it is indeed something that we need to consider.”
In response, Harewood-Christopher said she will accept the help as it’s impossible for police to be everywhere at once. Harewood-Christopher said, “The police accept any sort of assistance. We always say we cannot do it alone. As it is now, the service of the police is required everywhere. Everything, they want the police. It’s kind of impossible. So, yes, we will accept.”
Scotland made the suggestions during MTS’ launch of its newly established Special Elite Security Services. In celebration of its 45th anniversary, MTS will now be offering an elevated level of customised protection based on the specific needs of clients.
MTS’ management said services offered include close protection or bodyguard detailing, executive security escort, as well as securing highly sensitive areas of a facility.
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