Top cop's arrest leaves Rowley 'disappointed'

THE Prime Minister has expressed disappointment over allegations levelled against Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher which led to her being arrested and facing questions.

He said it appears the senior officer had apparently run afoul of the law, adding that Trinidad and Tobago is a nation governed by law.

He spoke to reporters after the commissioning ceremony for the Gran Chemin Fishing Centre in Moruga on the evening of January 31.

"There is protection for the innocent. A person is innocent until proven guilty and due process is guaranteed. So it is a matter for law enforcement, the police and the DPP," Rowley said.

Pressed for further comment, he said, "No person in this country can be arbitrarily charged and prosecuted for criminal conduct without the oversight of the DPP's office. Those safeguards are in place and we expect that every citizen will avail him or herself of the protection of the law."

He charged that TT is a country of confusion and mischief perpetrated by some.

"I have already seen some people attempting to ascribe this as a government matter. Let me just emphasise to you, the government of TT does not identify any person to become the subject of a police investigation (or be) charged with prosecution. That is a matter for the police and there is no role in that process of prosecution for the government. "

He said if at the end of the investigations the top cop is indicted in any way, the Police Service Commission (PSC) will treat with it.

"We have an independent PSC whose duty is to oversee the performance and discipline of the commissioner and all the deputies. Of course the government has an interest in ensuring and encouraging that the police service always has available to it proper management and arrangement for supervising the police service."

He admitted to not having details of the case.

"I do not know much more than you do. I have an idea what it is, but it is not for me to pontificate on, because if it goes to a situation of a charge being laid, it will then become a legal matter, and we are limited (in what can be said).

"We are not anxious to get involved in what is not really our responsibility. The responsibility lies very clearly with the police and their investigations, their findings and guidance of the DPP, and we are all protected there."