Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Gillian Lucky says she has written to acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams seeking copies of the National Security Council's report on the alleged existence of the New Flying Squad Investigation Unit (NFSIU.)
She said on Wednesday the PCA formally started its own investigations into the controversial para-police unit.Lucky, speaking with the T&T Guardian Wednesday night after a PCA public forum at Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial's constituency office, Chase Village, Chaguanas, said the PCA had launched its own investigation into claims by a former Flying Squad member, retired police sergeant Mervyn Cordner that the infamous police squad was revamped and was led by him.
She added: "The Police Complaints Authority, in accordance with the PCA Act, Section 21, does have as one of its powers to undertake enquiries and gather evidence with respect to the alleged existence of this alleged new Flying Squad Investigation Unit and its alleged activities and operations."And I can say this evening, we have begun our undertaking of enquires and gathering evidence."
She said she wrote to Williams asking for copies of the National Security Council reports on the Flying Squad that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said were submitted to him for investigation.Lucky said she also reminded him of the PCA's functions and its responsibilities.She added: "There is a section in our act that says if the Commissioner of Police gets information in his possession that speaks to police corruption, alleged police misconduct or criminal offences involving the police, the PCA is to be informed in writing immediately and I have just reminded him that section exits and therefore we expect total compliance on his part."
Lucky said it would be premature to say what action would come out of the PCA's investigation, and also declined to comment on whether Williams was the right person to probe the alleged New Flying Squad.
Sea Lots accident
The PCA chairman also expressed concern over the delay in the investigation into the deaths of Sea Lots mother Haydee Paul, 28, and her daughters – Ruthie, eight, and Shakira, seven – on February 24. They were killed when a car driven by an off-duty police officer struck them near the Central Market.Lucky said she wrote to Williams seeking an update on the investigation and the results of the blood samples taken from the officer involved."I have received no response to date. We have to make sure we get the answers," she said.
Lucky told members of the public gathered at the forum: "Police corruption is not being dealt with the way it should be dealt with."She admitted that the PCA had a backlog of cases.
Members of the public welcomed the PCA's forum and also shared experiences when they encountered police.One man complained about police intimidating his relatives in a court case, while another spoke about being given a run-around while at the Cunupia Police Station.Lucky told them to make a report to the PCA.