Senior cops have mixed feelings on Alexander heading SORT

While some senior officers were pleased with the transfer of Supt Roger Alexander to the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), others were sceptical over his ability to lead the elite unit.

Alexander was appointed to lead SORT while former leader Insp Mark Hernandez is suspended after being charged with misbehaviour in public office by encouraging the unlawful assault of David Ottley Jr, causing him bodily harm.

Speaking with Newsday, one officer from the Port of Spain Division welcomed the change and was confident Alexander would be a useful addition to the team, citing his years of experience

"He's someone who actually knows policing and what it entails. He has a lot of charisma, and I know he will be able to command the respect of the unit.

"He also has a lot of experience on the ground with aggressive units like the Task Force, so he understands how to go after criminals. But it's just to wait and see what happens next."

Another officer was pleased with the decision, and felt Alexander was competent.

"From the inception of the unit, the police felt that the leader should be...a first division officer, that is, an officer at the rank of ASP (assistant superintendent) or above, and now I feel that is actually the case I am confident it will be much more effective.

"Some people may be apprehensive about the change, but I think once he has the support of his subordinates, everything should fall into place."

A Northern Division officer said while Alexander was a popular figure, he did not know if he had the technical experience to lead the unit.

He also questioned whether Alexander would be the best replacement given past charges against him for assault.

"I'm hopeful this is the right decision but I'm also a bit concerned on whether this is the best decision, given all the allegations of misbehaviour the unit has been faced with.

"I felt as if the population lost a valuable and trusted officer with (Mark) Hernandez. That unit did a lot of good in cracking down on a lot of illegal activities."

From September 2018-February 2021 SORT has been involved in 479 anti-crime operations, which have led to 550 arrests 75 guns and 2.56 grams of cocaine being seized.