National Security Minister Edmund Dillon has backed the decision made by acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams to consider acting Snr Supts Simbonath Rajkumar and John Trim take early retirement.
The officers met with their attorney Gerald Ramdeen on Thursday in a bid to challenge the intended dismissals.
They are seeking their service be continued until the statutory date of retirement, which under the Police Service Act is 60 years.
Ramdeen, in a letter to Williams, said the forced retirement, while not illegal was however, a breach of the Act.
Dillon, speaking during the launch of the new driver's permit yesterday, also made it clear that there was no political pressure placed on the top CoP to make the decision.
"The commissioner has his role to play and it is truly within the domain of the police commissioner to take the necessary action that he deems it fit based on the Police Service Act," Williams said.
He maintained there must be responsibility and accountability on the part of all divisional heads regarding management.
"If each division....each station be held accountable then you get an efficient performance throughout the Police Service," Dillon added.
Asked whether there was an improvement in the performance of divisional commanders the minister said he did not as yet measure this but was sure this would happen.
Speaking about the issue for the first time Williams said he expressed to Rajkumar and Trim that he was considering exercising his authority under Section 74 (2) (b) of the Police Service Act.
"And in those circumstances they were provided with an opportunity to make representation for my consideration.
In those circumstances I will peruse the documents from the attorney to verify if such representation was made," Williams said.
He also sought to clear the air that he requested the two officers to resign.
"It is not resignations. It is a letter inSecurity
Minister on firing of non performing cops...dicating that the commissioner of police is considering exercising under Section 74 ( 2) (b)," Williams added.
Asked if there was a possibility that he could rescind his decision Williams said he "did not go into the realm of speculation" but rather followed a process.
"They had seven days to respond and their attorneys responded on their behalf and I would read the response and make a decision from there," Williams said.
Asked if there were any other first division officers who would be facing a similar circumstance he said, "At this time I speak of two officers," and also dismissed reports that there was a list 21 officers who would be asked to take early retirement.
On the removal of Inspector Roger Alexander from Beyond the Tape Williams said this was done due a court matter regarding allegations of assault.
But he said following the outcome of the matter Alexander would have the opportunity to return to the programme.
Williams said other officers have been delegated to fill the gap on a weekly bases adding that the show would not be terminated.
WHAT THE ACT STATES
In accordance with Section 74(2) (b) of the Police Service Act No 7 2006, which states that "A police officer in the First Division shall retire from the Police Service on his attaining the age of 60 years, but may–
(a) at his option; or
(b) at the instance of the Commissioner, retire from the Police Service at any time after he has attained the age of 55 years."