Officers of the Professional Standards Bureau were up to late yesterday holding identification parades in connection with a spate of robberies in central Trinidad.
Six of these were police officers assigned to the North Eastern Division and alleged to have participated in two separate robberies in St Helena and Caroni districts.
Three of the lawmen — Special Reserve Police officers — were being questioned in connection with the robbery in St Helena.
Four of the officers, which included an acting sergeant, were held on Sunday and while the other two were arrested on Monday. Four police officers were identified while on identification parade and questioned.
Senior officers confirmed yesterday that the officers were assigned to the Morvant Police Station. Investigators said over $100,000 was stolen from several Chinese nationals and other citizens.
Meanwhile, a 23-year-old constable remains in police custody after he stole a quantity of money from a woman.
Police said the officer, assigned to the Guard and Emergency Branch, advertised that he had an X-trail for sale for $65,000.
The officer reportedly took the money from the woman and agreed to meet with her at the Licensing Office on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain
While attempting to transfer the vehicle he said he had to go and “check something” and drove off. Up to late yesterday, the officer remained in police custody at a station in Port-of-Spain.
Alleyne: officers to be dealt with
Assistant Police Commissioner Carlton Alleyne said officers who were abusing their powers would be dealt with.
“One of the good things is that the PSB is taking action and the public can’t say they not making an effort against those who are committing these and abusing their powers.
“When you do wrong there will be an investigation and whatever the consequence and you will be deal with in a fair manner,” he said.
Director at Police Complaints Authority David West said the PCA recently completed its annual report. He did not want to divulge any information.
“We take all reports seriously and to the best of our ability once we complete the investigation we send the recommendation to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Attorney General for disciplinary action,” he added.