By Sue-Ann Wayow
ACTING Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has acknowledged the decision to close the matter involving Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) issued a statement on Sunday following one given by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that there was not enough evidence to charge the former CoP for any misconduct in public office.
The TTPS stated, “The Acting Commissioner welcomes the DPP’s clear and unequivocal decision that no criminal charges will be pursued against the Commissioner in relation to the issuance of a Firearm Import Permit for two high-powered rifles and accessories, intended for operational and training use by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).”
The investigation was initiated following a request by a former Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) and focused on the issuance of a Firearm Import Permit for two high-powered rifles and accessories, purportedly for SSA operational and training use.
The Commissioner of Police, as the sole authority under the Firearms Act, granted the permit after assessing the applicant’s suitability and public safety considerations.
The TTPS investigated whether the Commissioner had wilfully neglected her duty or misconducted herself in granting the permit.
However, the media release from the DPP stated that the evidence presented did not meet the high legal threshold required for criminal charges, as it did not demonstrate a serious departure from proper standards or an abuse of public trust.
In a statement, Gaspard stated, “In this matter, on the evidence, I am of the view that there is no realistic prospect of a conviction for the offence of misbehaviour in public office or fir any offence and accordingly, it would be legally wrong to proceed further.
“I am further fortified in my conviction since the evidence has not unearthed any improper motive, consideration or quid pro quo which might have unlawfully undergirded the CoP’s issuance of the subject permit.”
The TTPS said the DPP applied the Full Code Test, which evaluates the evidential and public interest stages and concluded there was no realistic prospect of conviction for any offense. Additionally, no improper motives or unlawful considerations were found in the Commissioner’s actions. As a result, the matter will not proceed further.
The TTPS release stated, “Commissioner Ag Benjamin also thanks the public for its patience during the course of this matter and reaffirms its dedication to operating with transparency and in accordance with the rule of law.”
Harewood-Christopher, the first woman police commissioner was arrested and detained on January 30, and her duties suspended pending the investigation.
On Monday, High Court judge Christopher Sieuchand is expected to rule on the validity of Harewood-Christopher’s suspension.
Harewood-Christopher’s clearance comes at around the same time, the appointment of Arthur Barrington as head of the SSA has been revoked.
