Public needs to support the CoP

THE EDITOR: I disagree with the many public calls for Police Commissioner Gary Griffith to resign. Labelling his behaviour towards the Prime Minister as disrespectful can only be viewed as regressing to the years of the maximum leader.

The CoP has every right in our modern democracy to respond to a public statement that is, in his considered opinion, not only inaccurate but has the potential to negatively affect the operations of the police. The PM does not get a free pass in these circumstances.

The PM could have alternatively chosen to make private comments to the commissioner, which would not have precipitated a public response. There is a deeper issue here.

TT has endured too many years with police commissioners who were massively ineffective. These past CoPs invariably emerged from a system that promoted seniority over sense, complacency over competence, and reticence over unwavering commitment to sworn duty.

Griffith has exploded this outdated misaligned mould. He is an example of locally grown, externally trained First World, first-class talent operating in a sea of mediocrity. His continued efforts in this position will no doubt sow the seeds of professionalism, honesty and proper work ethic among the ranks of the police.

The CoP needs the unequivocal support of the public in his ongoing fight against crime within the unambiguous ambit of the law.

FAZIR KHAN

St Augustine