Dickson hopes experience will guide Benjamin, Simon in new roles

President of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA), Gideon Dickson hopes the experience of Junior Benjamin and Curt Simon during their time on the police executive will serve them well in their new roles.

Dickson's comments came after the House of Representatives unanimously approved a government motion on February 5, appointing DCP Benjamin acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) and ACP Simon acting DCP.

"I would hope their exposure and experience they've gathered along the way, both as servant leaders and now strategic leaders, come to bear fruit.

"I also hope they do what is necessary and right for the organisation, to treat with crime and criminality management, as well as the issue regarding the welfare of officers."

Dickson also hopes Benjamin and Simon will inspire and motivate the police to rise above and go beyond any existing challenges they face.

He congratulated both men on behalf of the TTPSSWA and said he looked forward to working with them.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has to formally appoint the two in the respective roles.

The debate in the Lower House took place while CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher was before the High Court seeking to stop the PSC from making the acting appointments.

Harewood-Christopher will be allowed to challenge her suspension from office, but failed to stop the Police Service Commission from appointing an acting CoP.

High Court judge Christopher Sieuchand delivered the ruling after 4 pm on February 5, during an urgent hearing.

The PSC suspended Harewood-Christopher on January 31, after she was arrested in connection with an investigation relating to the purchase of two sniper rifles.

On February 1, police were advised to release her pending further investigations.

DCP Suzette Martin is leading the probe into the importation of two Accuracy International AX 2 bolt-action rifles purportedly for the use of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).

Former SSA director retired Major Roger Best was also arrested but also released on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.