Injunction halts police promotions

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith had to halt the planned promotion of 39 sergeants to the rank of inspector after being served with an injunction filed by 29 officers who are challenging the Order of Merit list.

Griffith, speaking at the promotion ceremony for assistant commissioners of police (ACP) and senior superintendents (Snr Supt), at the Police Academy on Tuesday, referred to the court action saying that far too many matters are filed by officers over grievances for overtime, transfers and other administrative issues.

He said that since assuming office in August 2018, he has been served with over 240 lawsuits – many from police officers – and while it was the legal right of officers to challenge him, he urged for a change in mindset.

The latest case comes up for hearing before Justice Betsy-Ann Lambert-Peterson in the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain on Wednesday.

Griffith said the volume of court case led him to spend more time in court rather than running the police service. He said the system has to change or else it would stagnate the service. He said the court was running the service more than him.

He urged officers to put service before self and help bring that needed change to the service to improve checks and balances, manage performance and make officers accountable.

At Tuesday's ceremony, Griffith said it was the first time in over a decade that all ACPs and Snr Supts were confirmed in their ranks. Many have been acting for years. Nine officers were confirmed to the rank of ACP while another 27 were confirmed to the rank of Snr Supt. Another group of 40 superintendents and 39 assistant superintendents are also expected to be promoted this week.