Promotions head top cop’s to-do list

In his meeting with the Police Social and Welfare Association tomorrow, acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams intends to address promotions as one of the main concerns. At a meeting with the association and National Security Minister Jack Warner last month the association’s president, Sgt Anand Ramesar, said the Police Service was facing a crisis as 80 per cent of officers from all ranks were acting.

He also charged the promotion process was stalled because former Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs had refused to promote officers. At a press briefing yesterday at Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, Williams said the issue of promotions centred on the existing police regulations, which limited the process of interviewing officers for promotion.

He added: “That is recognised by the association and it is recognised by the administration. We will be seeking to work in partnership, because it is not about the administration finding a solution by itself. Saying he had one way of doing things, the acting top cop said he intended to interact with officers at all levels. On his personal approach with members of the public and his charges Williams said he was always  willing to listen.

He added: “I have been pursuing an approach historically of meeting and treating with officers, and I would continue to utilise that approach.