DCP: No special favours for Erla

THE POLICE are promising a fair, thorough and transparent investigation into Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher's role (if any) in the import of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

Harewood-Christopher was arrested on January 30 at her office at the Police Administration Building, Sackville Street, Port of Spain, hours after former SSA head Roger Best was arrested at his Arima home.

The two were  held as police investigate how the SSA was able to buy the sniper rifles despite the law allowing only the police, the defence force and the director of the Forensic Science Centre to possess such weapons.

At a media briefing at the Police Administration Building on January 31, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suzette Martin said the investigation will be fair.

The briefing was the police’s first official statement and confirmation of Harewood-Christopher’s arrest.

“An active investigation is proceeding and it is still in progress. We are working closely with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and relevant authorities to ensure due process is followed and all legal protocols observed,” Martin said.

She added that she did not believe the police’s integrity had been compromised by Harewood-Christopher’s arrest.

“The integrity of the Police Service (TTPS) as an institution remains strong and we continue to uphold the highest stands of professionalism.

“The TTPS is committed to transparency and accountability. Our duty is to ensure justice is served fairly and without bias and we will do so with integrity.”

Martin noted the “significant public concern” caused by Harewood-Christopher’s arrest, but said she was unable to give details of the investigation.

Legal officer Cpl Zaheer Ali explained why police are being cautious about what they reveal, adding they do not want to compromise the investigation.

“It’s important, when an investigation is being conducted, to act responsibly to ensure there is no disclosure of information to any person or any party that may or is likely to prejudice the ongoing investigation.

“It is important to ensure this from a legal context, as that is an offence called tipping off.”

Asked on suspicion of what offences Harewood-Christopher was arrested, and what charges she could face, Ali said, “We are investigating the unlawful procurement of firearms and accessories, and that will take us into the offence of misbehaviour in public office.”

He said, though, that may not be the only charge as the investigations are ongoing.

“That will be subject to continued consultation with the Office of the DPP.”

NO SPECIAL TREATMENT

Asked if Harewood-Christopher was being given any special treatment or favours, Ali said the constitutional rights she is entitled to as a suspect were “being observed strictly.”

He said ensuring objectivity, impartiality, independence and due process remain “of paramount importance.”

Ali said under Martin’s supervision, police intend to stick to their “established practice and protocols” while investigating.

“The DCP (responsible for) intelligence and investigation has given firm instructions to ensure that matter proceeds expeditiously and diligently.”

Martin asked the public to be patient and let the law take its course.

“We will take the necessary steps, observe all protocols and we will update the public. So what I can ask is your patience and for you to give us the opportunity to allow us to complete the investigative process.

The police did not want to say where Harewood-Christopher was being detained, as Ali suggested there are security concerns they had to be mindful of.

“There's definitely a deep public interest in relation to this matter, and we must not be naïve. It's still the head of the TTPS, and on that basis there are steps the police are taking to ensure her right to safety and security."

POLICE FUNCTION NOT DISRUPTED

At the press conference, Martin was flanked by all members of the police executive as she insisted the service continues to “function without disruption.

“The CoP’s arrest does not affect the day-to-day operations of the TTPS. Our officers remain committed to serving and protecting citizens. We are fully operational, and the safety and security of the public remain our top priority.

She said the public should expect “continued services from police.”

DCP Junior Benjamin added, “All our operations continue as planned, and we remain focused.”

Even without Harewood-Christopher giving direct orders, Benjamin said the layers and structure of the service allow it still to run efficiently and cohesively.

“I would not say that we do not have a head…We have DCPs. Each DCP is given responsibility, and each of those responsibilities totally encompass all that is needed to ensure the effective and efficient working of the police service.”

He said any further decision on the leadership of the service will have to come from the Police Service Commission.

Benjamin said in the meantime, the police executive remains unified in its commitment to delivering a professional service.

“In terms of the running of the service, all things are in gear to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency. We are going to be out there. We have done all our operations.

“We continue to ensure that our junior officers are motivated and therefore all things are in place to ensure the police service is in good hands.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is an update to a story published earlier online at newsday.co.tt which can be read below:

The arrest of Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher does not have an impact on the operations of the police service, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin.

Martin made the comment at a media briefing at the Police Administration Building, Sackville Street, Port of Spain at 11 am today.

Harewood-Christopher was arrested on January 30 at her office as investigations continue into the importation of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

The briefing was the police’s first official statement and confirmation of Harewood-Christopher’s arrest, as Martin noted the “significant public concern” it has caused.

Martin was accompanied by the entire police executive as she insisted the TTPS continues to “function without disruption.

“The CoP’s arrest does not affect the day-to-day operations of the TTPS. Our officers remain committed to serving and protecting the citizens of TT. We are fully operational and the safety and security of the public remains our top priority.

She said the public should expect “continued services from police,” as safety and security efforts remain their top priority.

DCP Junior Benjamin added, “All our operations continue as planned, and we remain focused.”

Legal officer Cpl Zaheer Ali said police must be cautious about what they reveal, as they do not want to compromise the investigation.

“It’s important when an investigation is being conducted to act responsibly to ensure there is no disclosure of information to any person or any party that may or is likely to prejudice the ongoing investigation.

“It is important to ensure this from a legal context, as that is an offence called tipping off.”

Asked on suspicion of what offences Harewood-Christopher was arrested, and what charges she could face, Ali said, “We are investigating the unlawful procurement of firearms and accessories, and that that will take us into the offence of misbehaviour in public office.”

He said, though, that may not be the only charge she will eventually face, as the investigation is still ongoing.

“That will be subject to continued consultation with the Office of the DPP,” Ali said.