The Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith has issued an order to his officers that they must adhere to security protocols of the Judiciary issued by the Chief Justice.
He said all police officers – in uniform and plainclothes – must subject themselves to being scanned at the entrance of all courts in Trinidad and Tobago.
Griffith’s order comes after a security guard was taken into custody on Tuesday by an assistant superintendent of police (ASP) who reportedly refused to be subjected to the electronic scanner before entering the Mayaro Magistrates’ Court.
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According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the incident took place on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that the senior officer got upset with the guard and told him he was obstructing a police officer in the course of his duty and to allow him to pass without a search.
However, the guard stood his ground and he was detained by the police officer.
The guard was taken to the Mayaro Police Station where he remained in custody for some time but was eventually allowed to leave without any charges being laid against him.
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Reports also indicated that a deputy commissioner of police had to intervene after he became aware of the incident.
According to a release from the TTPS, Griffith met on Wednesday with Chief Justice Ivor Archie following the “unfortunate incident” and he subsequently issued a Departmental Order.
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The release said this was being done to ensure better cooperation between the Police and Judiciary.
