By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRIME Minister Dr Keith Rowley has received the report from the investigation relating to the Firearms Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
Dr Rowley on Monday during a press conference said he “just received the report.”
He also said, “That report makes very disturbing reading.”
The investigation was announced last year by National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds who promised an in-depth and comprehensive audit into the operations of the unit following the findings of an investigation by retired Appeal Court Judge Stanley John. That was initiated by the Police Service Commission (PolSc).
The report sought to investigate the issuance of Firearm User’s Licences (FUL) under the tenure of former commissioner of police Gary Griffith.
The Stanley John report was preceded by one conducted by retired ACP Arthur Barrington and retired chief of defence staff Haydn Pritchard.
The most recent audit was being done by a team which includes retired ACP Virgil Wellington, retired ACP Raymond Craig and Insp Leonard Charles.
The prime minister said even before he finishes reading it, he will send it to the PolSC to “let chips fall where they may.”
He said, “There is an executive summary of it. It will be laid in the Parliament as soon as the Parliament opens. But all components of it will go to the Police Service Commission.”
The report will also be sent to the Acting Police Commissioner.
“What we have done is to identify the nature of the problem… There are serious problems in there,” Dr Rowley added.
When asked if the report will also go to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) office, Dr Rowley emphasised, “The Director of Public Prosecution is not an investigative agent. The Director of Public Prosecution does not have investigative powers… the DPP is fed with work from the police service and the authority to do investigation lie with the police service.”
He said, “And if they find criminal conduct, they then advance it to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for guidance, for assistance, and for adjudication as to whether should be laid and so.”
Dr Rowley also said if the DPP required an investigation, the investigation will be conducted by the police service.
He also refused to answer any questions about Griffith who has once again thrown his hat in the right for the post of police commissioner.
