Deputy Commissioner of Police Mervyn Richardson on Thursday afternoon gave a detailed explanation to members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) as to the reports surrounding his alleged involvement in the revamping of the New Flying Squad Investigations Unit (NFSIU).Richardson was summoned by members of the PSC and asked to explain comments and allegations levelled against him by former police inspector Mervyn Cordnor.
Cordnor, in several interviews, claimed that Richardson had suggested the members of the NFSIU should become Special Reserve Police (SRP) in order to conduct investigations.The unit, according to Cordnor, began operations last year and has been responsible for disseminating information to police officers about criminal activities in the country.
However, both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and National Security Minister Jack Warner denied claims such a unit existed.Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams recently appointed DCP Simon Alexis to probe Cordnor's allegations.Sources say that present at Thursday's meeting was Commission chairman Prof Ramesh Deosaran, Kenneth Parker, Addison Khan, Martin George, Kenneth Parker and Jacqueline Cheeseman.
The source said the commissioners were on a "fact-finding mission" and throughout the inquiries Richardson denied having any hand in the setting up of the unit and distanced himself from such allegations. The meeting lasted for an hour.Also meeting with the commissioners on Thursday was President of the Police Social and Welfare Association ag Insp Anand Ramesar and the association's secretary, ag Insp Michael Seales.
High on the agenda was the PSC's Appeal Board and their inability to deliver rulings in a timely manner.It was only last month that Ramesar called on Persad-Bissessar to revoke the appointments of the board's three members–Martin George, Addison Khan and Kenneth Parker.
Ramesar had accused the board of having a less than enthusiastic approach to addressing appeals which have been lodged at the PSC Appeal Board since 2011.In a brief interview with Sunday Guardian, Ramesar said several issues were discussed including that of promotions.
"All the matters and concerns discussed will be forwarded in writing to the commission," Ramesar said.Saying the association realises the work of the commission is filled with challenges due to a lack of resources, Ramesar issued a call to Persad-Bissessar and Warner to address the issues facing the commission.
Richardson: I met with PSC...but I will not comment
Contacted yesterday afternoon, Richardson confirmed he met with the PSC members on Thursday.Questioned as to whether he was probed on the subject of the NFSIU, Richardson said, "I cannot comment on that. Such meetings are confidential, I will not comment."