PCA supports Scotland's appointment

Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West has supported the appointment of Keith Scotland as the minister in the Ministry of National Security responsible for policing, saying Scotland's appointment will bring added benefits to the police.

"It is a positive appointment. There is no secret that there are issues within the TTPS (TT Police Service).

"Scotland is an experienced attorney and I think he is the right man for the job, to give guidance (to the police)."

West said that guidance would come from Scotland's legal experience. Scotland has been an attorney-at-law for over 20 years and in June was awarded senior counsel or "silk" status.

At a post-Cabinet media briefing on July 25, the Prime Minister, in announcing Scotland's appointment, complained about the lack of succession planning and training within the police. He also complained about the behaviour of some officers.

"There isn't a proper value system coming through.

"People still come in the police system based on first in, first out."

Rowley said the top of the police service "is not a pleasant place."

Rowley hopes proper succession planning will allow mid-ranking officers' "performance, character and enthusiasm," to be harnessed to bring them up to the top.

When a reporter asked about the police inspectorate, Rowley replied, "An inspectorate by itself does not a police service make."

Rowley said before the PCA was formed there was a recommendation to form one.

"The authority was supposed to look at police behaviour and get out of police good behaviour as someone is looking on.

"It (PCA) has made no difference. It made no difference!"

Rowley said the behaviour of rogue police officers was worse than before.

Newsday asked West his thoughts on Rowley's assessment of the PCA.

After a long silence, West replied, "I wouldn't want to comment on the Prime Minister's view."