Chief Secretary Farley Augustine Hopes That Confidence In Ttps Is Not Affected By C.o.p. Controversy

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine hopes that public confidence in the police service remains intact despite the controversy surrounding the arrest and release of Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher. When questioned by the media in Speyside, Augustine was reluctant to comment on the situation but expressed hope that the police’s work would not be hindered. The matter has raised serious public concern about the strength of national security leadership at a time when crime remains one of the most pressing issues in Trinidad and Tobago. However, Augustine remains optimistic that the TTPS can overcome this hurdle and refocus on its core mission of fighting crime. In the meantime, the Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Tobago police in combating crime over the past few months. Harewood-Christopher was arrested on Wednesday, along with former SSA director Roger Best, on suspicion of unlawfully procuring firearms. However, charges could not be laid against the top COP, and she was subsequently released. The Police Service Commission initially suspended Harewood-Christopher pending the outcome of an investigation, but her legal counsel has since taken legal action against the PSC to have her reinstated.