Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher is expected to receive an official letter from the Police Service Commission today saying that her suspension was lifted, paving the way for her to lead the police service.
This is according to chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Harewood-Christopher did not show up at the Police Administration Building yesterday to resume duties.
Contacted by Guardian Media, Harewood-Christopher confirmed she did not go to her office.
“I have yet to hear from the Police Service Commission. That is all I have to say.”
Yesterday, Guardian Media was outside the Police Administration Building but was told by officers that Harewood-Christopher was not expected to be there.
On Monday, High Court Judge Christopher Sieuchand found that her suspension by the PolSC was legal. The ruling came after the commission’s attorney, Deborak Peake, SC, said her suspension was lifted after the Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard, SC, said there was insufficient evidence against her involving the procurement of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). The developments paved the way for the Police Commissioner to resume her duties.
However, chairman of the PolSC, Dr Wendell Wallace, confirmed the letter lifting Harewood-Christopher’s suspension was not issued as of yesterday morning. He said the letter should be delivered in “due course.”
“We are hoping it will be delivered sometime today or early tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.”
Wallace said separate letters would also be prepared for acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin, whose substantive rank is that of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), and acting DCP Operations Curt Simon, whose rank is that of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
“So when that letter goes out to Mrs Harewood-Christopher, lifting the suspension, then two other letters would have to be sent, indicating that those two gentlemen would have to revert to their original positions.”
If Harewood-Christopher officially resumes her duties as head of the TTPS today, it will take place just one day before her contract as Commissioner ends. On Thursday, May 15, she turns 62, which brings her one-year extension to a close.
Wallace said he did not anticipate any challenges, particularly with the pace at which officers return to their substantive roles.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is a disciplined organisation and whatever has to take place, they will have to work that out internally.
“I can’t make pronouncements on what will or will not happen, but I can say they (the Police Service) are a disciplined organisation and it is expected that they will act in accordance with their rules, regulations and the hierarchical structure.”
On Monday, Harewood-Christopher and her attorney were at the Police Administration Building, Sackville Street, before attending a meeting with Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander at his office at Temple Court, on Abercromby Street.
Benjamin willing to serve T&T
Meanwhile, acting CoP Benjamin said he would continue with his work leading the police service, until he receives a letter from the PolSC instructing him to return to his duties as DCP.
Asked if he was pleased with the work done during his tenure, Benjamin said while the public would have their own opinion on his leadership, he felt he did “his best,” citing different policing initiatives introduced during the State of Emergency (SoE), the Carifta Games and this year’s general election.
As of yesterday morning, there were 140 murders for the year so far, compared to 204 for the same period in 2024.
“We look at the violent crime reduction, which shows a 29 per cent reduction and woundings and shootings show a 30 per cent or 31 per cent reduction.
“Those things we were able to do within a three-month period. It’s for society and the nation to judge how my tenure has been, but I will say I have done my very best and will continue to do my very best to put systems in place to ensure the proper running of the police service.”
When asked if he was prepared to continue acting as Police Commissioner when Harewood-Christopher’s contract ends and a successor is not named, Benjamin said he was comfortable serving in “any area” to ensure the nation’s safety.
“Whatever capacity given to me, I remain focused and do my very best to ensure that I serve the nation so that at the end, T&T will win.”
Guardian Media contacted DPP Gaspard on whether he was satisfied with how the investigation into Harewood-Christopher was conducted.
However, he declined to comment, saying it would be “impolitic” to do so.