Given the public outcry by the citizens of T&T on the circumstances which led to the arrest of CNC3's Crime Watch host, Ian Alleyne, a transparent investigation ought to be launched and its findings released to the public.
That was the view of the T&T Police Service Social and Welfare Association president, Anand Ramesar, during a telephone interview with Guardian Media Limited (GML).
Not wanting to comment directly on allegations of whether excessive force was used during Alleyne’s arrest, Ramesar explained that within the Use of Force Policy of the TTPS one should be guided by what threat faced the officer.
“I think the Police Service must respond to that concern and must investigate the matter and carry out a transparent investigation and lay it out to the public, the outcome, and then make a decision on the matter,” Ramesar said.
The TTPS’ Public Information Officer, Michael Pierre, during a media briefing on Wednesday said the TTPS would not be launching an investigation into the incident.
Alleyne on Tuesday night was charged for using annoying language, resisting arrest and obstruction of a police officer in the execution of his duty by Alexander following an incident at the home of Chaguanas car dealer Sheron Sukhdeo.
When asked about the Beyond the Tape programme which Alexander hosts, Ramesar said it was approved by the acting Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams, for the sole purpose of using a public perspective relations to show the public how the Police Service performed its duties.
“In the end, what is needed to be achieved is the improved image of the Police Service, improved confidence of the public,” Ramesar added.
He, however, admitted that the association was yet to see an assessment of the programme.
“Coming from the membership there appears that the lines are blurred in whether or not it is a ratings programme, one that has a substantive TV 6 agenda as opposed to a police agenda, geared towards improving the Police Service. For us, that is where the conflict lies,” Ramesar said.
“The programme itself we do not object to but it should be a programme solely constructed around policing and police agenda and there should be no conflict in relation to that,” he added.