Benjamin meets with officers after promotion debacle

Acting Commissioner of Police (COP) Junior Benjamin met with officers on February 21 after a High Court ruling by Justice Frank Seepersad quashed the results of the recent police examinations to promote officers from the rank of Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and ordered the police to restart the promotion process.

The case, initiated by Insp Mark Hernandez, challenged the fairness and legality of the promotion process.

Seepersad found numerous, serious flaws including automatic "outstanding" grades for all candidates without proper performance evaluations and failure to enforce a 50 per cent pass mark for the qualifying exam.

The court also criticized the CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher, for not ensuring compliance with the regulations.

Seepersad declared the promotion process fundamentally flawed and invalid, ruling that it undermined the merit-based system and violated police service laws.

President of the Police Social Welfare Association Gideon Dickson praised Benjamin for meeting with officers describing it as “an unprecedented move.

A media release after the meeting said officers, despite their disappointment, also expressed their appreciation for the show of concern and compassion.

In his address to the officers Benjamin said, “Immediately after learning of the judgement, I knew it was important to meet with you because in my many years of service, I know that people do not care how much you know unless they know how much you care; and I want you to know that the executive of the TTPS cares.”

Benjamin added “our next steps in dealing with this matter will take into account how you feel as well as what will bring the most benefit to the organization.”

Dickson, who has also been affected by the judgement said, “I understand that some officers who are close to retirement, may age out of the process, but the decision we make today isn’t just for us, but for those coming after us.”

Speaking at a media briefing later on February 21, Benjamin said the meeting was part of his push to “be a commissioner for all.”

He said no decision has been made yet on the next steps but added any decision will be in everyone’s best interest adding, "It is important that we look after our officers."