PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher has been "arrested and detained" as investigations continue into the importation of two sniper rifles by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suzette Martin told a news conference that the top cop, who had been moved to a secret location, had been "arrested and detained" along with the former director of the SSA, Major Roger Best, over the past few days.
"We understand that this has raised significant public concern and we are committed to providing as much information as possible while respecting the ongoing investigation," Martin said.
"At this time, an active investigation is proceeding, and I must stress that it is still in progress. We are working closely with the Director of Public Prosecution and the relevant authorities to ensure that due process is followed and that all legal protocols are observed," she added.
Police said the unlawful procurement of firearms triggered the investigations, and charges could include misbehavior in public office. Martin said that as the investigations are still ongoing and are at a sensitive stage, they cannot provide specific details about the nature of the arrest.
"It is important that we allow the investigation to unfold without interference. I ask you for your understanding and patience as we ensure that all aspects of this matter are addressed thoroughly and fairly," she said.
Martin said she wanted to reassure the public that the arrest of the Police Commissioner does not affect the day-to-day operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. "Our officers remain committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago," she said, adding that the members of the hierarchy of the TTPS are also here with us today, and we will continue to function without disruption.
"We are fully operational, and the safety and security of the public remain our top priority," she said, with the police indicating that arrests and other activities associated with the current state of emergency are continuing.
"The integrity of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service as an institution remains strong, and we continue to hold the highest standard of professionalism. The public should expect continued service from the police, and safety and security will remain our priority," Martin said, adding that the TTPS is committed to transparency and accountability.
"We will continue to provide updates as appropriate, but we must be mindful not to compromise the investigation or legal proceedings. We must ensure that justice is served fairly and without bias, and we will do so with integrity," she added.
In May last year, Harewood-Christopher was given a one-year extension as police commissioner after the Cabinet had earlier indicated that on May 13, it advised President Christine Kangaloo under the Police Service Act (section 75(a)) to extend her service for a year starting May 15. Harewood-Christopher reached the retirement age of 60 on May 15, 2023, and Cabinet gave her a one-year extension until May 24, 2024.
The police confirmed that every effort is being made to have the criminal investigations completed as soon as possible, noting "it has always been an established practice and protocol to conduct investigations expeditiously, diligently" and that instructions have been given to ensure that the "matter proceeds expeditiously and diligently."
When reporters asked Martin what assurances the police would give to ensure that the investigations were above board, given the people involved, Martin responded by saying, "We are conducting investigations with professionalism. We are also communicating with the Director of Public Prosecutions in all our undertakings."
Harewood-Christopher is not the first police commissioner to be arrested and investigated in Trinidad and Tobago. In 1986, suspended police commissioner Randall Burroughs, who became police commissioner in 1978, was arrested on drug smuggling charges and appeared in court in connection with the 1983 deaths of two men in a police shootout.
Meanwhile, businessman Luke Hadeed, accompanied by his attorney Om Lalla, voluntarily surrendered himself on Friday for questioning in the ongoing investigation. "There are reports in the media that Luke Hadeed … was in hiding, under arrest, detained; nothing could be further from the truth. We understand that they want to interview him, we are available, we have nothing to hide," attorney Lalla said, adding that the unfounded reports are damaging his client’s name and reputation.
Conclusion:
The arrest of Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher and former SSA director Major Roger Best has raised significant public concern, but the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service remains committed to providing updates on the ongoing investigation while respecting the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the reason for the arrest of the Police Commissioner?
A: The Police Commissioner was arrested and detained as part of an ongoing investigation into the importation of two sniper rifles by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
Q: Who else was arrested in connection with the investigation?
A: Former SSA director Major Roger Best was also arrested and detained in connection with the investigation.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working closely with the Director of Public Prosecution and relevant authorities to ensure that due process is followed and all legal protocols are observed.
Q: How will the arrest of the Police Commissioner affect the day-to-day operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service?
A: The arrest of the Police Commissioner does not affect the day-to-day operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and the officers remain committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.